Printing condition setting method and image forming device

ABSTRACT

In a case of printing documents having a plurality of pages (documents number c) on output sheets so as not to exceed a limited output sheets number a, the limited output sheets number a and an output copies number b are set (S 1  and S 2 ), and the documents number c is confirmed in reading the documents (S 4 ). When the limited output sheets number a, the output copies number b, and the documents number c are recognized, a print document pages number d which is a number of original images that should be printed on each output sheet is set in accordance with the foregoing values (S 5 ). When the print document pages number d is set, an output mode which allows the documents to be printed in accordance with the print document pages number d is set (S 6 ), so that a printing operation is carried out (S 7 ). Further, in S 1,  each of allowable amounts of sheets stored in (i) sheet feeding means, (ii) delivery means, and (iii) post-processing means may be recognized as the limited output sheets number a. Thus, in a case of outputting image data corresponding to the plural pages on the output sheets so as not to exceed the output sheets number less than the number of document pages, it is possible to reduce operations that the user has to perform in setting a printing condition.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to (i) a printing condition settingmethod for setting a condition under which an image forming device, suchas a copying machine and a printer, outputs a less number of printsheets in printing image data (forming images), corresponding to pluralpages, on output sheets (printing medium), and to (ii) an image formingdevice using the printing condition setting method. For example, thepresent invention can be preferably used in a case where a predeterminednumber of sheets are printed.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a user requires that an image forming device suchas a copying machine and a printer reduce the number of output sheets.In a case of reducing the number of output sheets in performing aprinting operation, it is general to select one from two output modes:(i) a double-side printing output mode for printing both front and backsides and (b) a 2-in-1 or 4-in-1 output mode for downsizing image dataso that the image data, corresponding to plural pages of originalimages, is printed on each output sheet.

[0003] In the image forming device, upon outputting image data by usingthese processing functions, the user inputs setting of operation via anoperation panel, so as to set a printing condition desired by the user.

[0004] For example, (1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.84952/1993 (Tokukaihei 11-84952)(Publication date: Mar. 30, 1999)discloses a copy mode display device by which the user can select arecommended copy mode (recommended output mode) which can reduce thenumber of output sheets. Specifically, in the technique (1), a totalnumber of copy sheets required in printing documents (required printoutput sheets number) is calculated, and when the required print outputsheets number exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the recommendedoutput mode such as a 2-in-1 single-side output mode and a 2-in-1double-side output mode is displayed in a display section.

[0005] In the technique (1), the required print output sheets number iscalculated on the basis of (i) an approximately calculated number ofdocuments which is calculated by detecting means for detecting a heightof documents stacked on a document table and (ii) a desired print copiesnumber desired by the user in performing the printing operation. Thedesired print copies number is a number of output copies.

[0006] Incidentally, there is a case where a copying machine includespost-processing means for performing various kinds of post-processeswith respect to printed output sheets. For example, an arrangementincluding a post-processing device such as a stapling device provided ina preceding stage of a delivered sheet tray (delivery tray) is known.

[0007] In the stapling process, several numbers of output sheets arestapled, so that some kinds of arrangements and stapling pins of thestapling device cannot staple the output sheets whose amount exceeds apredetermined number. Then, for example, (2) Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication No. 222641/1994 (Tokukaihei 6-222641)(Publication date: Aug.12, 1994) discloses a copying system device (copying machine) foradjusting the number of output sheets so that it is possible to staplethe output sheets even when the number of documents exceeds a standardnumber of the stapling process. In this technique (2), the number ofdocuments set in the copying machine is counted in advance, and when theobtained number of documents exceeds the standard number of the staplingprocess, an output mode is automatically switched from (i) a single-sideprinting mode without downsizing to (ii) a double-side printing mode.

[0008] Here, as to a conventional image forming device having a generalarrangement, in a case of printing the image data corresponding toplural pages so as not to exceed a predetermined number of output sheetswhose amount is less than the plural pages, it is necessary to set“which function is to be used” after calculating the number of pages ofimage data which should be printed on each output sheet so as to set anappropriate printing condition, so that this brings about such a problemthat the user is required to perform troublesome operations.

[0009] Further, in a case of printing the image data of documents whoseamount is so large onto the output sheets, the user has to begin bycounting the number of documents, so that the user has to perform moretroublesome operations.

[0010] On the other hand, the foregoing techniques (1) and (2) can solvethe aforementioned problems to some extent. However, these techniquesbring about the following problems, so that effects thereof are stillinsufficient.

[0011] For example, in the technique (1), in printing the image data ofdocuments whose amount is so large at all once, the number of outputsheets may be limited depending on a condition of the copying machine,so that the user has to confirm the limit each time, thereby bringingabout such a problem that operations are troublesome.

[0012] That is, when an amount of documents is so large that the numberof documents cannot be concretely grasped, a printing condition set inthe copying machine is prioritized. At this time, the user does not haveto count the number of documents. However, for example, when an amountof output sheets remaining in a feeding tray of the copying machine andan amount of remaining output sheets that can be delivered to a deliverytray are the limit of the number of output sheets, the user has toconfirm the limit.

[0013] While, in the technique (2), the output mode includes only twomodes: a single-side printing mode and a double-side printing mode.Thus, when the number of documents is more than twice of the standardnumber of the stapling process, this brings about such a problem that itis substantially impossible to use the stapling process.

[0014] For example, when the standard number of the stapling process is30 and the number of documents is 80, the number of documents exceeds 60which is twice of the standard number. Thus, even when both sides ofevery sheet is printed, the number of output sheets is not within 30sheets of the standard number. As a result, the printing operation isstopped.

[0015] Further, when the number of documents is within twice of thestandard number of the stapling process, only the double-side printingcan be performed, so that this arrangement does not satisfies therequirement of the user. Thus, the user has to confirm whether it ispossible to perform the stapling process or not each time, so that thisbrings about such a problem that operations are troublesome.

[0016] Further, the foregoing problems are brought about not only in thecopying machine but also in a printer which performs printing operationin response to data received from a computer. That is, also in a casewhere the printing operation is performed in response to a largequantity of data received from a computer, the printing condition of theprinter is prioritized, so that the user has to confirm the limit of thenumber of output sheets as in the aforementioned case.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0017] The present invention was conceived in order to solve theforegoing problems, and its object is to provide (i) a printingcondition setting method which reduces the number of operations that theuser has to perform in setting the printing condition in a case ofoutputting image data corresponding to plural pages on output sheets soas not to exceed an output sheets number less than the number of thepages, and (ii) an image forming device using the printing conditionsetting method.

[0018] In order to solve the foregoing problems, the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention includes: a requiredprint sheets number confirming step of confirming a required printsheets number in original images; a print output sheets numberrecognizing step of recognizing a print output sheets number in outputsheets; a calculating step of calculating a number of the originalimages that should be printed on each output sheet in printing theoriginal images of the required print sheets number on the output sheetsso as not to exceed the print output sheets number; and a printingcondition setting step of setting one or more printing conditions, eachof which allows the original images of the required print sheets numberto be printed on the output sheets so as not to exceed the printingoutput sheets number, in accordance with a calculation result obtainedin the calculating step.

[0019] According to the foregoing method, in the case of outputting theimage data corresponding to the plural pages on the output sheets so asnot to exceed the predetermined output sheets number less than thenumber of the pages, the required print sheets number of the originalimages is confirmed in the required print sheets number confirming step,and the print output sheets number of the output sheets is recognized inthe print output sheets number recognizing step.

[0020] Note that, the printing condition setting method can be appliedto both a copying operation and a printer operation of the image formingdevice. The required print sheets number of the original images is anumber of documents that can be read in performing the copyingoperation, and can be confirmed by counting the number of documentssingly transported to a reading position by an automatic transportdevice upon reading the documents. Further, the required print sheetsnumber in performing the printer operation is a number of pages of theimage data inputted from an external device such as a PC (Personalcomputer), and can be confirmed in accordance with header information ofthe image data received on the side of the image forming device.

[0021] Further, the print output sheets number is a limited number ofprint output sheets, and can be set to a number desired by the user.Alternatively, a predetermined output sheets number such as a limitednumber of stapled output sheets upon performing a stapling operation canbe utilized.

[0022] When the required print sheets number and the print output sheetsnumber are determined, the number of original images that should beprinted on each output sheet is calculated in accordance with therequired print sheets number and the print output sheets number in thecalculating step. Then, in the printing condition setting step, one ormore printing conditions, each of which allows the original images ofthe required print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number, are set in accordancewith the calculation result.

[0023] Thus, in the case of outputting the image data corresponding toplural pages on output sheets so as not to exceed the print outputsheets number less than the number of the pages, the user does not haveto perform such calculation that how many pages of the image data shouldbe printed on each output sheet, thereby largely reducing operations inselecting the printing condition.

[0024] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention so that: in the print output sheetsrecognizing step, the print output sheets number that has been set andinputted by a user is recognized.

[0025] According to the foregoing method, it is possible to output theimage data corresponding to the plural pages as the desired number ofoutput sheets that has been set by the user.

[0026] Alternatively, it is also preferable to arrange the printingcondition setting method according to the present invention so that: inthe print output sheets number recognizing step, a number of the outputsheets remaining in sheet feeding means of an image forming device isconfirmed, and thus confirmed number of the output sheets remaining inthe sheet feeding means is recognized as the print output sheets number.

[0027] According to the foregoing method, in printing the image datacorresponding to the plural pages, when the number of output sheetsremaining in the sheet feeding means of the image forming device is lessthan the required print sheets number, the number of the remainingoutput sheets is regarded as the print output sheets number. Thus, theimage data is outputted so that the image data is printed so as not toexceed the remaining output sheets. As a result, it is possible to avoidshortage of the output sheets during the printing operation.

[0028] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention so that: in the printing conditionsetting step, when there are a plurality of the printing conditions thatcan be selected, the printing conditions are displayed so that the usercan make a selection from the printing conditions so as to input thusselected one.

[0029] According to the foregoing method, when there are a plurality ofselectable printing conditions, each of which allows original images ofthe required print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number, the printing conditionsthat can be selected are displayed so that the user can make a selectionfrom the printing conditions so as to input thus selected one. Thus, itis possible to perform the printing operation in accordance with theprinting condition desired by the user.

[0030] Alternatively, it is also preferable to arrange the printingcondition setting method according to the present invention so that: inthe printing condition setting step, when there are a plurality of theprinting conditions that can be selected, one of the printing conditionsis set in accordance with a priority condition (such as “double-sideprinting is forbidden” and “downsizing rate is limited”) that has beenset in advance.

[0031] According to the foregoing method, when there are a plurality ofselectable printing conditions, each of which allows original images ofthe required print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number, one of the printingconditions is set in accordance with a priority condition that has beenset in advance. Thus, it is possible to reduce the trouble that the userhas to take in selecting the printing condition.

[0032] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention so that: in the printing conditionsetting step, when there is no printing condition which allows theoriginal images of the required print sheets number to be printed on theoutput sheets so as not to exceed the print output sheets number, one ofthe printing conditions which minimizes the print output sheets numberis displayed so that the user can determine whether or not to cancel aprinting operation so as to input the determination.

[0033] According to the foregoing method, when there is no printingcondition which allows the original images to be printed on the outputsheets so as not to exceed the print output sheets number that has beenset, a most preferable printing condition is proposed to the user sothat the user can determine whether or not to perform the printingoperation in accordance with the proposed printing condition.

[0034] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention so that: when a stapling process isselected in the image forming device, a maximum number of the outputsheets stapled in performing the stapling process is set as the printoutput sheets number set in the print output sheets number recognizingstep.

[0035] According to the foregoing method, when the stapling process isselected in the image forming device which employs the present printingcondition setting method, it is possible to prevent such a printingoperation that the number of output sheets is so large that the staplingprocess cannot be performed.

[0036] Further, the printing condition setting method according to thepresent invention may be arranged to include: a required print sheetsnumber confirming step of confirming a required print sheets number inoriginal images; a print output sheets number recognizing step ofrecognizing a print output sheets number in output sheets; an outputcopies number recognizing step of recognizing an output copies number; acalculating step of calculating a number of the original images, thatshould be printed on each output sheet in printing the original imagesof the required print sheets number on the output sheets so as not toexceed the print output sheets number, in consideration for the outputcopies number; and a printing condition setting step of setting one ormore printing conditions, each of which allows the original images ofthe required print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number, in accordance with acalculation result obtained in the calculating step.

[0037] According to the foregoing method, in the case of printing aplurality of copies of the image data corresponding to the plural pages,when the image data is printed on the output sheets so as not to exceeda predetermined number, the required print sheets number of the originalimages is confirmed in the required print sheets number confirming step,and the print output sheets number of the output sheets is recognized inthe print output sheets number recognizing step, and the output copiesnumber is recognized in the output copies recognizing step. Note that,for example, the output copies number that has been set and inputted bythe user in causing the image forming device to perform the printingoperation is recognized by the device.

[0038] When the required print sheets number, the print output sheetsnumber, and the output copies number are determined, in the calculatingstep, a number of the original images that should be printed on eachoutput sheet is calculated in accordance with the required print sheetsnumber, the print output sheets number, and the output copies number.Further, in accordance with the calculation result, the printingcondition which allows the original images of the required print sheetsnumber to be printed on the output sheets so as not to exceed the printoutput sheets number is set.

[0039] Thus, the user does not have to perform such calculation that howmany pages of the image data should be printed on each output sheet, sothat it is possible to largely reduce operations in selecting theprinting condition and it is possible to apply the printing condition tothe case where the plurality of copies are printed.

[0040] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention so that: in the printing conditionsetting step, when there are a plurality of the printing conditions thatcan be selected, the printing conditions are displayed so that the usercan make a selection from the printing conditions so as to input thusselected one.

[0041] According to the foregoing method, when there are a plurality ofselectable printing conditions, each of which allows original images ofthe required print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number, the printing conditionsthat can be selected are displayed so that the user can make a selectionfrom the printing conditions so as to input thus selected one. Thus, itis possible to perform the printing operation in accordance with theprinting condition desired by the user.

[0042] Alternatively, it is also preferable to arrange the printingcondition setting method according to the present invention so that: inthe printing condition setting step, when there are a plurality of theprinting conditions that can be selected, one of the printing conditionsis set in accordance with a priority condition (such as “double-sideprinting is forbidden” and “downsizing rate is limited”) that has beenset in advance.

[0043] According to the foregoing method, when there are a plurality ofselectable printing conditions, each of which allows original images ofthe required print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number, one of the printingconditions is set in accordance with a priority condition (such as“double-side printing is forbidden” and “downsizing rate is limited”)that has been set in advance. Thus, it is possible to reduce the troublethat the user has to take in selecting the printing condition.

[0044] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention so that: in the printing conditionsetting step, when there is no printing condition which allows theoriginal images of the required print sheets number to be printed on theoutput sheets so as not to exceed the printing output sheets number, oneof the printing conditions which minimizes the print output sheetsnumber is displayed so that the user can determine whether or not tocancel a printing operation so as to input the determination.

[0045] According to the foregoing method, when there is no printingcondition which allows the original images to be printed on the outputsheets so as not to exceed the print output sheets number that has beenset, a most preferable printing condition is proposed to the user sothat the user can determine whether or not to perform the printingoperation in accordance with the proposed printing condition.

[0046] The image forming device according to the present invention setsthe printing condition by using the aforementioned printing conditionsetting methods.

[0047] According to the foregoing arrangement, in the case of outputtingthe image data corresponding to the plural pages on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number less than the number ofthe pages, the required print sheets number of the original images isconfirmed in the required print sheets number confirming step, and theprint output sheets number of the output sheets is recognized in theprint output sheets number recognizing step. Thus, the user does nothave to perform such calculation that how many pages of the image datashould be printed on each output sheet, so that it is possible tolargely reduce operations in selecting the printing condition.

[0048] Further, in order to solve the foregoing problems, the printingcondition setting method according to the present invention may bearranged to include: a total images number calculating step ofcalculating a total number of unit images, corresponding to image datawhich should be printed on each output sheet, in accordance with atleast original images that have been inputted; a printing conditionsetting step of selecting a distribution number which is a number of theunit images printed on each output sheet so as to set a printingcondition; and an allowable amount detecting step of detecting acondition concerning an allowable amount of output sheets which areallowed to be outputted in a single printing operation performed by animage forming device, wherein, in the printing condition setting step,the printing condition is set in accordance with at least (i) the totalnumber of the unit images that has been calculated and (ii) theallowable amount that has been detected.

[0049] According to the foregoing method, in the printing conditionsetting step, the printing condition is set in accordance with (i) thetotal number of the unit images of the original images and (ii) theallowable amount of the output sheets. Thus, the user does not have toconfirm (i) the total number of unit images of original images and (ii)a condition of the image forming device every time. As a result, it ispossible to improve the simplicity of the operation.

[0050] Note that, the allowable amount of the output sheets is an amountdetected in the allowable amount detecting step, and is an amount of theoutput sheets which can be printed in a single printing operationperformed by the image forming device.

[0051] While, the unit image is image data that should be printed oneach output sheet, and the total number of the unit images is an amountof the image data that should be printed on each output sheet. Thus, thetotal number of the unit images of the original images is an amount ofthe image data of the original images that should be printed on eachoutput sheet. For example, as to the total number of the unit images ofdocuments in a case where a copying machine makes one copy of thedocuments, the following two cases are brought about.

[0052] That is, in a case where there is a single set of image data thatshould be printed on each output sheet, the total number of the unitimages is equal to the number of documents. While, in a case where thereare a plurality sets of image data that should be printed on each outputsheet, the total number of the unit images is not equal to the number ofdocuments. The case where there are a plurality of sets of image datathat should be printed on each output sheet is a case where thedocuments are printed on the basis of the 2-in-1 or 4-in-1 output modefor example. That is, in a case where the documents are printed on thebasis of the 2-in-1 output, the total number of the unit images is twiceas many as the number of documents.

[0053] Further, in a case of a printer which receives original imagedata from a computer, image data that should be printed on each outputsheet is set in accordance with the user's intention, and the image datais the unit image.

[0054] The total number of the unit images is calculated in the totalimages number calculating step, and it is preferable to further arrangethe printing condition setting method according to the present inventionso that: in the total images number calculating step, the originalimages are temporarily stored in storage means, and then the totalnumber of the unit images of the original images is calculated.

[0055] According to the foregoing method, the total number of the unitimages is calculated based on the image data that has been stored in thestorage means after inputting the original image data. Thus, even in acase where it is impossible to grasp how many unit images exist uponprinting a large amount of original images, the user does not have toconfirm the total number again, so that it is possible to calculate thetotal number of the unit images rapidly and exactly.

[0056] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention to further include a print copiesnumber setting step of setting a print copies number which is a numberof copies each of which is obtained by performing a single printingoperation with respect to the original images, wherein in the totalimages number calculating step, the total number of the unit images iscalculated in accordance with at least (i) the original images that havebeen inputted and (ii) the print copies number that has been set.

[0057] According to the foregoing method, also in the case of printingplural copies of the original images, single entry of the originalimages enables the plural copies to be printed.

[0058] It is preferable to further arrange the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention so that: in theallowable amount detecting step, at least any one of (i) an amount ofthe output sheets remaining in sheet feeding means of an image formingdevice, (ii) an amount of the output sheets that can be delivered bydelivery means delivering the output sheet that have been printed, and(iii) an amount of the output sheets that can be post-processed bypost-processing means post-processing the output sheets that have beenprinted, is detected as the condition concerning the allowable amount.

[0059] According to the foregoing method, in the printing conditionsetting step, the printing condition is set in accordance with the totalnumber of the unit images of the original images and the allowableamount. Thus, in printing a plurality of sheets, the user does not haveto confirm the total number of unit images of original images andconditions of functions provided in the image forming device every time.As a result, it is possible to improve the simplicity of the operation.

[0060] It is preferable to further arrange the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention so that: thepost-processing means includes any one of (i) stapling means forperforming a stapling process, (ii) punching means for performing apunching process, and (iii) sorting means for performing a sortingprocess.

[0061] According to the foregoing method, in printing a plurality ofsheets, the user does not have to confirm conditions of functionsprovided in the post-processing means every time. As a result, it ispossible to improve the simplicity of the operation.

[0062] It is preferable to further arrange the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention so that: when theoutput sheets to be printed are standardized output sheets that havebeen uniformly standardized, the amount of the output sheet that can bepost-processed is fixed in accordance with a type of the post-processingmeans.

[0063] According to the foregoing method, the amount of the outputsheets that can be post-processed can be fixed, thereby furthersimplifying the printing condition setting process. Further, in a caseof using only a specific output sheet such as PPC (Plane paper copy), itis possible to substantially omit the allowable amount detecting means.This is based on such reason that: in a case of using the most generalPPC, even when types of PPC slightly differ from each other, this rarelybrings about substantial change in the number of the output sheets thatcan be stapled.

[0064] It is preferable to further arrange the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention to further include alimited output sheets number setting step of setting a limited outputsheets number in printing the original images, wherein, in the printingcondition setting step, the printing condition is set in accordance withat least (i) the total number of the unit images that has beencalculated, (ii) the allowable amount that has been detected, and (iii)the limited output sheets number that has been set.

[0065] Note that, the limited output sheets number is a number of outputsheets required in accordance with the user's intention in printing theoriginal image. That is, in a case where the user wants to limit thenumber of output sheets on which the original images are printed, theuser inputs the limited output sheets number in the image formingdevice.

[0066] According to the foregoing method, the printing condition is setin accordance with (i) the total number of unit images of originalimages, (ii) the allowable amount, and (iii) the limited output sheetsnumber that has been set. Thus, in printing a plurality of sheets, theuser does not have to confirm the total number of unit images oforiginal images and a condition of the image forming device every time.As a result, it is possible to improve the simplicity of the operationand to reduce the cost of the output sheets.

[0067] That is, the printing condition setting method of the presentinvention is such that: how many unit images should be allocated to eachoutput sheet is determined in accordance with the total number of theunit images of the original images. Thus determined number of unitimages is used as a distribution number of the unit images so that theunit images are distributed to each output sheet in accordance with thedistribution number upon performing the printing operation.

[0068] It is preferable to further arrange the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention so that: in theprinting condition setting step, a plurality of formation layouts areprepared so that the unit images are disposed in each output sheet inaccordance with the distribution number of the unit images that has beenselected.

[0069] According to the foregoing method, in the printing conditionsetting step, various output patterns (formation layouts) are preparedupon printing the original images. Thus, it is possible to print theoriginal images in accordance with the output patterns corresponding tovarious printing types such as “double-side printing is forbidden” and“it is necessary to minimize the downsizing rate of the originalimages”.

[0070] It is preferable to further arrange the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention so that: in theprinting condition setting step, combinations each of which isconstituted of (i) the distribution number of the unit images and (ii)each of the formation layouts are recognized as output modes, and theprinting condition is set by selecting one from the output modes.

[0071] According to the foregoing method, in the printing conditionsetting step, a plurality of combinations of (i) the distribution numberof the unit images formed on each output sheet and (ii) the formationlayout in each output sheet are recognized. Thus, in the printingcondition setting step, it is possible to control the setting of theprinting condition by selecting one mode from the plurality of outputmodes. Thus, it is possible to simplify the printing condition settingprocess.

[0072] It is preferable to further arrange the printing conditionsetting method according to the present invention so that: in theprinting condition setting step, whether or not it is possible to carryout a printing operation in accordance with the printing condition thathas been set is determined, and when it is impossible to carry out theprinting operation in accordance with the printing condition that hasbeen set, the printing condition is carried out in accordance with apredetermined printing condition.

[0073] According to the foregoing method, even when a printing conditionwhich does not allow the printing operation to be performed is set dueto various conditions such as actual functions of the image formingdevice, it is possible to substantially eliminate the foregoing printingcondition that has been set. Thus, it is possible to perform theprinting operation in accordance with various conditions such as actualfunctions of the image forming device.

[0074] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention to further include a desiredcondition inputting step of inputting a printing condition desired bythe user, wherein, in the printing condition setting step, the printingcondition desired by the user is preferentially set.

[0075] According to the foregoing method, a desired printing conditioncan be inputted in advance, and a printing condition is set inaccordance with the inputted printing condition. Thus, for example, itis possible to eliminate a printing condition that is not desired by theuser in advance, so that it is possible to perform the printingoperation which further satisfies the user's needs. Further, even whenit is impossible to perform the printing operation in accordance withthe printing condition desired by the user due to a condition of theimage forming device, it is possible to set a printing condition whichis close to the user's needs.

[0076] It is preferable to arrange the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention to further include a printingcondition confirming step of (i) causing display means to display theprinting condition that has been set in the printing condition settingstep and (ii) performing an inputting operation so as to cause inputtingmeans to change the printing condition to another printing condition.

[0077] According to the foregoing method, even when a printing conditionwhich does not satisfy the user's intention, it is possible to changethe printing condition by performing the printing condition confirmingstep. Thus, it is possible to carry out the printing operation inaccordance with a printing condition which satisfies the user'sintention.

[0078] The image forming device according to the present invention setsa printing condition by using the aforementioned printing conditionsetting method.

[0079] According to the foregoing arrangement, due to the printingcondition setting step, in printing a plurality of sheets, the user doesnot have to confirm the total number of unit images of original imagesand a condition of the image forming device every time. As a result, itis possible to improve the simplicity of the operation.

[0080] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of theinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0081]FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention, and is aflow chart showing a procedure of a printing condition setting method.

[0082]FIG. 2 is a schematic showing an arrangement of an image formingdevice which employs the printing condition setting method.

[0083]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a controlsection of the image forming device.

[0084]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing how to calculate the number ofpages of documents to be printed in accordance with the printingcondition setting method.

[0085]FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b) are explanatory drawings each of whichshows an output mode which can be selected when (the number of pages ofdocuments to be printed)=4.

[0086]FIG. 6 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a procedure inwhich a user selects an output mode when there are a plurality ofselectable output modes.

[0087]FIG. 7 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a modificationexample of a setting confirmation image of the output mode in the casewhere the output mode is selected in FIG. 6.

[0088]FIG. 8 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a priorityoutput condition setting image in which priority is predetermined interms of functions and conditions to be used when there are a pluralityof selectable output modes in the printing condition setting method.

[0089]FIG. 9 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a guide displayimage when there is a selectable output mode in the printing conditionsetting method.

[0090]FIG. 10 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a setting imagein a case where a limited output sheets number and an outputted copiesnumber are set in a driver image of a PC in accordance with a printingcondition setting method which is another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0091]FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) are explanatory drawings each of whichshows an output mode which can be selected in a case where (distributionnumber of unit images)=2.

[0092]FIG. 12 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a setting imagein a case where the limited output sheets number and the outputtedcopies number are set in the driver image of PC in accordance with aprinting condition setting method which is another embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0093]FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and isa flow chart showing a procedure of the printing condition settingmethod.

[0094]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the printingcondition setting method, and particularly, is a flow chart in a casewhere setting of an output mode is changed.

[0095]FIG. 15 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a procedure inwhich the user selects an output mode in a case where there are aplurality of selectable output modes in accordance with the printingcondition setting method.

[0096]FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and isa schematic showing an arrangement of an image forming device whichemploys the printing condition setting method.

[0097]FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and isa schematic showing an arrangement of an image forming device whichemploys the printing condition setting method.

[0098]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a controlsection of an image forming device which employs the printing conditionsetting method.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0099] One embodiment of the present invention is described below withreference to the attached drawings.

[0100]FIG. 2 schematically shows an arrangement of an image formingdevice which is one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 2, the image forming device includes an image forming section 1, asheet supplying section 2, a document reading section 3, and apost-processing section (post-processing means) 4. Note that, the imageforming device shown in FIG. 2 is an example of an arrangement of thepresent invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0101] The image forming section 1 is provided with an electronicphotograph processing section in which a photoreceptor drum 11 iscentered. Around the photoreceptor drum 11, there are provided: anelectrification unit 12 for uniformly electrifying a surface of thephotoreceptor drum 11; a light scanning unit 13 for scanning a lightimage on the photoreceptor drum 11 that has been uniformly electrifiedso as to write an electrostatic latent image; a development unit 14 forvisualizing the electrostatic latent image written by the light scanningunit 13 by using developer; a transcription unit 15 for transcribing animage reproduced on the photoreceptor drum 11 onto an output sheet; acleaning unit 16 for removing the developer left over on thephotoreceptor drum 11 after performing the transcription so as to enablea new image to be recorded on the photoreceptor drum 11; and anelectricity removal lamp unit 17 for removing an electric charge fromthe surface of the photoreceptor drum 11. In a downstream of theelectronic photograph processing section, a fixing device is disposed,and the fixing device sequentially receives output sheets on whichimages have been transcribed, so as to thermally fix the developertranscribed on each output sheet.

[0102] Under the image forming section, there is disposed the sheetsupplying section 2 which can store the output sheets. The sheetsupplying section 2 is constituted of (i) sheet storing trays 21 to 23each of which stores the output sheets and (ii) separately feedingsections (separately feeding means) 24 to 26 each of which separatelyfeeds each output sheet stored in the sheet storing trays 21 to 23. Eachoutput sheet separately fed by each of the separately feeding sections24 to 26 is sequentially supplied to a gap between the photoreceptordrum 11 and the transcription unit 15, and an image recorded andreproduced on the photoreceptor drum 11 is transcribed onto each outputsheet.

[0103] Alternately, the image forming section 1 may be an ink-jetprocessing section (not shown). Specifically, the image forming section1 is an ink head which moves perpendicularly with respect to a transportdirection of the output sheet. In this arrangement, a sheet transportmechanism (not shown) moves each output sheet fed from each of the sheetstoring trays 21 to 23 by every certain distance, so that a partialimage on a line corresponding to the moving distance is formed on theoutput sheet. This operation is repeated, so that a complete image isformed on a surface of the output sheet, and the output sheet is thentransported to the post-processing section 4. Note that, a fixingsection (not shown) for fixing an image on the output sheet by dryingink may be provided at a preceding stage of the post-processing section4.

[0104] The document reading section 3 performs document reading in thefollowing two modes: (i) an automatic reading mode in which sheet-shapeddocuments are automatically supplied by an automatic document transportdevice 31 and each document is sequentially subjected to exposurescanning so that a document image is read and (ii) a manual reading modein which a book-shaped document or a sheet-shaped document which cannotbe automatically supplied by the automatic document transport device 31is manually set so that a document image is read. Further, an image of adocument set on a transparent document placement table 32 is subjectedto the exposure scanning performed by a first scanning unit 33 and asecond scanning unit 34 that move along the document placement table 32in a predetermined speed relationship therebetween, and the image isfocused on a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 36 by optical partssuch as a mirror and an image focus lens 35, thereby outputting thedocument image that has been converted into an electric signal.

[0105] The automatic document transport device 31 includes a documenttransport section (document transport means) 39 which transports adocument placed on a document setting tray 37 toward the documentplacement table 32 and delivers the scanned document to the documentdelivery tray 38. Further, the automatic document transport device 31rotates on its back side functioning as a fulcrum, so that its frontside opens so that the sheet-shaped document which cannot beautomatically supplied is placed on the document placement table 32 andthe sheet-shaped document can be read by scanning.

[0106] Further, the automatic document transport device 31 may bearranged as double-side reading automatic document transport means. Inthis case, the automatic document transport device 31 includes: atransport path for a single-side document; a transport path for adouble-side document; a transport path switching section; and a sensorgroup for grasping and managing a condition under which the documentpasses through the respective sections, so as to cause the documentreading section 3 to read a single side or both sides of the document inaccordance with selection made by the user. As the automatic documenttransport device 31, it is possible to make selection from various knownarrangements as required in accordance with a using condition, and itsarrangement is not particularly limited.

[0107] Document image data read by the document reading section 3 issubjected to a predetermined image process. Thereafter, the image datais sent to the light scanning unit 13 of the image forming section 1,and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is written onthe photoreceptor drum 11. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image isdeveloped, so that an image is transcribed onto the output sheet. Thus,the image forming device of the present embodiment functions as a pageprinter which prints an image read from a single document on a singleoutput sheet.

[0108] The output sheet on which the image has been fixed by the fixingdevice 18 is selectively transported to the post-processing section 4 ora double-side transport unit 52 by a switching gate 51 disposed in adownstream of the fixing device. In the post-processing section 4, thetransported output sheet is subjected to a post-process such as astapling process, a punching process, and a sorting process. The printedoutput sheet is finally delivered to the delivery tray 55.

[0109] Further, in a case of transporting the output sheet to thedouble-side transport unit 52, the output sheet passing through theswitching gate 51 is transported to a switching back transport path 54by the switching gate 53. After being switched back, the output sheet issent to the double-side transport unit 52. Thus, as to the output sheetsent from the double-side transport unit 52 to the electronic photographprocessing section again, an image is formed on a back side of a surfaceon which an image has been formed, so that it is possible to perform thedouble-side printing.

[0110] Next, an arrangement of the control section of the image formingdevice will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The image formingdevice includes: an image data inputting section 61; an image processingsection 62; an image data outputting section 63; a memory 64 constitutedof various kinds of ordinary memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory)and a hard disk; a central processing unit 65; an operation base unit66; a sorter control unit 67; and an image data communication I/F68.

[0111] The image data inputting section 61 performs binary conversionwith respect to the document image data which has been photoelectricallyconverted by the photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 36, andprocesses the image data by error diffusion while taking a histogram asa binary digital amount, and stores the processed image data in thememory 64.

[0112] The image processing section 62 is a processing section forfinally converting the inputted image data into image data desired bythe user. Until the image data is stored in the memory 64 as finallyconverted output image data, the image data is processed in thisprocessing section.

[0113] The image data output section 63 restores the image data storedin the memory 64 in a compression manner, and reconverts the image datainto 256 gray scales, and performs the error dispersion of quaternarydata which realizes smoother half tone than the binary data, andforwards the data to the light scanning unit 13 of the image formingsection 1.

[0114] Note that, data treated by the image data inputting section 61and the image data outputting section 63 is stored in the memory 64basically in a form of binary data so as to reduce the capacitance ofthe memory 64. However, it is possible to process the data in a form ofquaternary data taking deterioration of the image data intoconsideration.

[0115] In accordance with sequence control, a central processing unit(control means) 65 manages driving mechanisms such as a motor and aclutch (printer parts load, desk parts load, scanner parts load, ADFparts load) of sections constituting the image forming device: the imageforming section 1, the sheet feeding section 2, the image readingsection 3, the automatic document transport device 31, and the like. Thecentral processing unit 65 also outputs a control signal for controllingthe respective sections.

[0116] Further, the central processing unit 65 is connected to anoperation base unit 66 constituted of an operation panel so that theycan mutually communicate with each other. The control signal isforwarded to the central processing unit 65 in accordance with variouskinds of output modes that have been set and inputted by the user, andthe image forming device is operated in accordance with a main mode thathas been set.

[0117] Further, the control signal that indicates an operation conditionof the image forming device is forwarded to the operation base unit 66.On the side of the operation base unit 66, the control signal causes adisplay section or the like to display the operation condition so as toinform a condition of the device to the user.

[0118] Further, in a case where the user sets an output condition viathe operation panel of the operation base unit 66, the centralprocessing unit 65 causes the image processing section 62 to performpredetermined process (downsizing process, layout process, and the like)in accordance with the output condition that has been set, and controlsa condition under which the image data output section 63 outputs theimage data.

[0119] The sorter control unit 67 is a control unit which manages anoperation of the post-processing section 4 for sorting copies outputtedby the image forming device.

[0120] Further, the image data communication I/F 68 is provided so as toenable information communications (communications of image information,image control signal, and the like) with other digital image devices.

[0121] The printing condition setting method according to the presentembodiment is described as follows with reference to the flow chart ofFIG. 1. Note that, the following description shows a copying operationcaused by a copying function of the image forming device as an example.

[0122] First, the user sets a limited output sheets number (limitednumber of output sheets to be printed) a corresponding to a single job(S1). The limited output sheets number a is a number of output sheetsthat is desired by the user. For example, the limited output sheetsnumber a is set in a case of copying n-number of documents onto not morethan a-number of output sheets so as to reduce the number of outputsheets. In a case where a plurality of output sheets are desired, theuser sets an output copies number b (S2), and a start key is pushed downin the operation panel (S3). Further, in S2, when the user does not setthe output copies number b, (output sheets number b)=1 is automaticallyset.

[0123] Note that, in the present embodiment, S1, S2, and S3 respectivelycorrespond to a print output sheets number recognizing step, anoutputted copies number recognizing step, and a required print sheetsnumber confirming step that are recited in claims.

[0124] By pushing down the start key, the image reading section 3 beginsan operation for reading the set document. The image reading section 3not only carries out the operation for reading the document but alsocounts the documents number (required print sheets number) c (S4). Uponperforming the operation for reading the document, a printing operationis not performed until all the documents are read so as to count thenumber of documents number c. Thus, the read image data is temporarilystored in the memory 64 until the printing operation begins.

[0125] Next, a print document pages number d which is the number ofdocument pages that should be printed on each output sheet is calculatedby the central processing unit 65 in accordance with (a) the limitedoutput sheets number a and the output copies number b that have been setin S1 and S2 and (b) the documents number c, so that the print documentpages number d is set (S5).

[0126] Here, how the print document pages number d is calculated in S5is detailed as follows by taking a specific example with reference tothe flow chart of FIG. 4.

[0127] The calculation of the print document pages number d requirescalculation procedures that are different from each other in the casewhere (output copies number b)=1 and in the case where (output copiesnumber b)≠1, so that whether (output copies number b)=1 holds or not isconfirmed at first (S11).

[0128] In the case where (output copies number b)=1, the print documentpages number d is set, by using the limited output sheets number a andthe documents number c, in accordance with an expression (documentsnumber c)/(limited output sheets number a) (S12). For example, in thecase where the limited output sheets number a=10 and the documentsnumber=0.40, the calculation is (documents number c)/(limited outputsheets number a)=40/10=4. Thus, the print document pages number d: thenumber of document pages that should be printed on each output sheet is4. Note that, the print document pages number d needs to be set as anatural number. In a case where the number obtained by the expression(documents number c)/(limited output sheets number a) is not the naturalnumber, a minimum natural number exceeding thus obtained number is setas the print document pages number d.

[0129] While, in the case where (outputted copies number b)≠1, beforecalculating the print document pages number d, a single-copy limitedoutput sheets number e is calculated, by using the limited output sheetsnumber a and the output copies number b, in accordance with theexpression (documents number c)/(limited output sheets number a) (S13).Further, the print document pages number d is set, by using thesingle-copy limited output sheets number e and the documents number c,in accordance with an expression (documents number c)/(single-copylimited output sheets number e) (S14).

[0130] For example, in a case where the limited output sheets numbera=70 and the output copies number b=8 and the documents number c=30,calculation is performed as follows: (limited output sheets numbera)/(output copies number b)=70/8=8 and the remainder is 6. Thus, thesingle-copy limited output sheets number is 8. Further, calculation isperformed as follows: (documents number c)/(single-copy limited outputsheets number e)=30/8=3 and the remainder is 6. Thus, the print documentpages number d which is the number of document pages that should beprinted on each output sheet is 4.

[0131] That is, the single-copy limited output sheets number e and theprint document pages number d need to be set as natural numbers.However, in a case where a number obtained by the expression (limitedoutput sheets number a)/(output copies number b) as to the single-copylimited output sheets number e is not the natural number, a naturalnumber which does not exceed thus obtained number is set as thesingle-copy limited output sheets number e. In a case where the numberobtained by the expression (limited output sheets number a)/(outputcopies number b) as to the print document pages number d is not thenatural number, a minimum natural number exceeding the obtained numberis set as the print document pages number d.

[0132] When the print document pages number d is set by performing theprocess of S2, an output mode (printing condition) which allows theprint document pages number d to be realized in performing the printingoperation is selected and set (S6). The selection of the output mode inS6 is based on combination of a double-side printing mode and an N-in-1mode such as a 2-in-1 and a 4-in-1 mode. How to select the output modewill be detailed later.

[0133] Note that, in the present embodiment, S5 corresponds to acalculating step recited in claims and S6 corresponds to a printingcondition setting step recited in claims.

[0134] When the output mode is set in S6, the image forming devicecarries out an output process based on the output mode (S7).

[0135] As described above, the image forming device according to thepresent embodiment is arranged so that: in a case of performing theprinting operation while reducing the output sheets number with respectto the number of documents to be printed, the user has only to set thelimited output sheets number a and the output copies number b, so thatit is possible to carry out the output process by performing a simpleoperation.

[0136] Next, a selection/setting process of the output mode in S6concerning FIG. 1 is described as follows. Note that, in the followingdescription, as functions which can be selected in the image formingdevice, there are (i) a double-side printing function for printing bothfront and back sides of the output sheet and (ii) an N-in-1 function fordownsizing and disposing images corresponding to an N-number ofdocuments on a single side of the output sheet in performing theprinting operation. These functions are combined with each other so thatthe output mode is set based on the combination.

[0137] For example, in the steps of S5, as described in the foregoingexample, when the print document pages number d is set to 4, an outputmode which allows four or more pages of document to be printed on eachoutput sheet. The output mode in this case is such that: a single-sideoutput with 4-in-1 mode (see FIG. 5(a)) or a double-side output with2-in-1 mode (see FIG. 5(b)) is performed. The output mode allows fourpages of document to be printed on each output sheet.

[0138] Note that, in setting the output mode here, the number of pagesof document actually printed on each output sheet need not correspond tothe print document pages number d. At least the same number of or morepages of document as or than the print document pages number d areprinted on each output sheet. For example, in a case where the printdocument pages number d is set to 7 or in similar case, there is nooutput mode in which 7 pages of document are printed on each outputsheet, so that an output mode in which 8 pages of document are printedon each output sheet (double-side printing with an 8-in-1 or a 4-in-1output) is selected.

[0139] Further, in the case of allowing the same number of or more pagesof document as or than the printed document pages number d on eachoutput sheet, all the output modes each of which uses the N-in-1function of N≧d can be selected. However, it is general to set such anoutput mode that the number of pages of document printed on each outputsheet is closest to the print document pages number d that has been set.

[0140] In selecting the output mode, as described above, in a case wherethere are a plurality of selectable modes, as shown in FIG. 6, a displayimage 101 is displayed in the operation panel, so as to inform the userof an output mode to be carried out so that the user confirms the outputmode. In a case where the user selects “Yes” in the display image 101,the printing output begins based on the displayed output mode.

[0141] Further, in a case where the user selects “No” in the displayimage 101, a display image 102 is displayed so as to inform the user ofanother selectable output mode so that the user confirms the outputmode. In a case where the user selects “Yes” in the display image 102,the printing output begins based on the displayed output mode.

[0142] In this manner, in the case where the user selects “Yes” in asetting confirmation image such as the display image 101 and the displayimage 102, when there is another output mode of a different pattern, asetting confirmation image of the output mode is displayed. Further,when “No” is selected in every setting confirmation image of everyselectable output mode, the job is cancelled. At this time, a displayimage 103 is displayed in the operation panel so as to inform the userof the job cancellation.

[0143] Note that, the job cancellation in the case where “No” isselected in every setting confirmation image of every selectable outputmode may be performed as follows: whether or not to carry out the jobcancellation is confirmed by the user, and the job cancellation is notperformed until the user inputs a cancellation instruction. In thiscase, when the user does not give the cancellation instruction, thedisplay image returns to the display image 101.

[0144] Further, it may be so arranged that: in the setting confirmationimage of the output mode, all the selectable output modes are displayedin the same window so that the user can select one from the outputmodes. In this case, the job cancellation may be included in theselection branches.

[0145] Further, it may be so arranged that: in the setting confirmationimage of the output mode, as shown in FIG. 7, the output sheets numberat that time is displayed together. Further, it may be so arranged that:in a case where there exists only one output mode which enables thepredetermined print document pages number d to be printed, the settingconfirmation image of the output mode is omitted and the output processof the job is immediately carried out, depending on setting of the user.

[0146] In the foregoing description concerning FIG. 6, when there are aplurality of selectable output modes, an output mode to be set isselected by the user. However, it may be so arranged that: a conditionand priority of using functions are set in advance, an output mode to beset is automatically selected on the side of the device.

[0147] In order to set the condition and the priority of the usingfunctions in advance, the following operations are performed: forexample, as shown in FIG. 8, a display image 104 which is a priorityoutput condition setting image in a menu in a key operator program isdisplayed, and an item the user wants to set is selected by causing acursor key to move a cursor up and down in the display image 104, and afunction or ON/OFF of a condition in each item is set by pushing down anOK key. In the display image 104, a check mark is added to a check boxupon setting ON in each item.

[0148] Note that, examples of the function or the condition whosepriority can be set are as follows. Of course, the present invention isnot limited to them.

[0149] Double-side printing is forbidden . . . The double-side printingfunction is not used.

[0150] Image size is prioritized . . . A process which makes an image(output image) as large as possible is selected.

[0151] Few sheets are outputted . . . A process which outputs as fewsheets as possible.

[0152] Downsizing rate is limited . . . The lower limit of thedownsizing rate is set, and a process which does not satisfy the lowerlimit is not selected.

[0153] Double-side printing is prioritized . . . The double-sideprinting function is always selected.

[0154] Further, in setting the functions and conditions which should beprioritized as described above, conditions conflicting with each othermay exist. Thus, it is preferable that: when the one condition is set,the other condition cannot be set. Since “Double-side printing isforbidden” and “Double-side printing is prioritized” conflict with eachother in the foregoing example, it is preferable to make arrangement sothat these conditions cannot be set at the same time.

[0155] Further, the image forming device is arranged so that: the printdocument pages number d of documents which should be printed on eachoutput sheet is set in accordance with (i) the limited output sheetsnumber a and the outputted copies number b that are set by the user and(ii) the documents number c counted in reading the documents, and anoutput mode which enables the documents to be printed in accordance withthe print document pages number d is selected/set. However, functions ofthe image forming device is limited (it is impossible to perform thedouble-side printing, and it is impossible to use an N-in-1 functionmore than the 4-in-1 function, and similar cases), so that there is apossibility that the number of actually outputted sheets is not withinthe limited output sheets number a that has been set by the user.

[0156] For example, in the image forming device having functions notmore than the 4-in-1 function, when the image forming device is set sothat 280 documents are printed on 30 output sheets (that is, (limitedoutput sheets number a)=30), the print document pages number d iscalculated so that (documents number c)/(limited output sheets numbera)=280/30=9 and the remainder is 10, so that (print document pagesnumber d)=10. That is, it is necessary to print more than 10 documentson each output sheet.

[0157] However, according to the functions of the image forming device,even in a case of using (i) the 4-in-1 function which is an output modeminimizing the number of output sheets and (ii) the double-side copyfunction together, at most eight documents can be printed on each outputsheet. Thus, the image forming device cannot print more than 10documents on each output sheet.

[0158] In this manner, the functions of the image forming device arelimited, so that it is sometimes impossible to perform the outputprocess within the limited output sheets number a that has been set bythe user. In such case, it is preferable to make such an arrangementthat: as shown in FIG. 9, (i) an output mode which causes the imageforming device to minimize the number of output sheets and (ii) thenumber of output sheets in a case where documents are printed inaccordance with the foregoing mode (in the output mode of the foregoingexample, 280/8=35, that is, 35 output sheets are required in performingthe printing operation) are displayed in the display image 105 of theoperation panel so that whether to output in this output mode or tocancel the job can be selected.

[0159] In the image forming device described above, the limited outputsheets number a is set to a number desired by the user, but the presentinvention is not limited to this. Examples of setting the limited outputsheets number a are as follows.

[0160] For example, in a case where the image forming device includesthe post-processing section 4 and the post-processing section 4 has thestapling function as shown in FIG. 2, particularly, in a case wherecarrying out the stapling process is selected, it is possible to set theoutput mode by setting the maximum stapled sheets number as the limitedoutput sheets number a in the same manner as in the foregoingdescription.

[0161] Further, in a case where a large number of documents are set inthe document reading section 3 and few output sheets are set in thesheet feeding section 2, shortage of the sheets stops the outputprocessing during the printing operation. In order to prevent suchdisadvantage, amounts of remaining sheets (amounts of remaining outputsheets) in the sheets storing strays 21 to 23 of the sheet feedingsection 2 are always managed/monitored by the image forming device, andthe output mode can be set by setting the amounts of remaining sheets asthe limited output sheets number a in the same manner as describedabove.

[0162] Note that, in order to cause the image forming device tomanage/monitor the amounts of sheets remaining in the sheet storingtrays 21 to 23 of the sheet feeding section 2, the following process canbe performed for example. In each of the sheet storing trays 21 to 23,the stored output sheets are placed on a rotational plate, and anuppermost output sheet of the placed output sheets is disposed on afeeding position by causing rotation of a motor to push down therotational plate.

[0163] Further, after being drawn from the image forming device so as tostore the sheets, each of the sheet storing trays 21 to 23 is returnedto the image forming device. At this time, the rotational plate moves,thereby pushing up the output sheets. A distance traveled by therotational plate varies in accordance with the amount of the outputsheets, so that it is possible to detect the amounts of remaining sheetsby detecting the distance traveled by the rotational plate. It ispreferable to detect the distance traveled by the rotational plate inaccordance with a pulse number of the motor.

[0164] Further, while performing the copying and printing operations,the amounts of sheets remaining in the sheet storing trays 21 to 23 arereduced since the output sheets are used. At this time, the rotationalplate moves upward as the number of the output sheets are reduced, sothat it is possible to grasp the amounts of remaining sheets that varyduring the printing operation.

[0165] Thus, in the image forming device of the present invention, anoutput mode is set so that the output sheets number is not more than theamounts of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding section 2. Thus, it ispossible to avoid such disadvantage that shortage of the sheets stopsthe output process during the printing operation.

[0166] Further, as an example, the foregoing description shows theoutput mode setting in the case where the copying function of the imageforming device performs the copying operation, but the present inventionis not limited to this. It is possible to apply the present invention toa case where the image forming device exhibits a printer function byreceiving image data from a PC (Personal Computer) connected to theimage forming device so as to perform the printer operation.

[0167] In a case of setting the output mode upon performing theforegoing process at a time when the printer function is exhibited, thedocuments number c of the copying operation corresponds to the number ofpages of the image data sent from the PC. Header information of theimage data is referred to, so that the number of pages of the image datacan be easily recognized by the image forming device.

[0168] Further, it is preferable to set the limited output sheets numbera and the outputted copies number b in the driver image of the PC asshown in FIG. 10. Further, it is preferable to display a display imagefor the user as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 in the PC screen.

[0169] [Embodiment 2]

[0170] Another embodiment of the present invention is described asfollows with reference to attached drawings. Note that, the presentinvention is not limited to this. Further, for the convenience indescription, the same reference signs are given to members having thesame functions as the members used in Embodiment 1, and descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0171] An image forming device of the present embodiment controlssetting of a printing condition and performs the printing operation inaccordance with conditions such as (i) a total number of unit images oforiginal images, (ii) a limited output sheets number, and (iii) anallowable amount. Further, a printing condition setting method accordingto the present embodiment is a method for setting the printing conditionin accordance with the foregoing conditions.

[0172] The unit images are image data which should be printed on eachoutput sheet, and the total number of the unit images is an amount ofthe image data that should be printed on each output sheet. Thus, thetotal number of the unit images of the original images is an amount ofthe image data of the original images that should be printed on eachoutput sheet.

[0173] For example, as to the total number of the unit images ofdocuments (original images) in a case where a copying machine makes onecopy of the documents, the following two cases are brought about.

[0174] That is, in a case where there is a single set of image data thatshould be printed on each output sheet, the total number of the unitimage is equal to the number of documents. While, in a case where thereare a plurality sets of image data that should be printed on each outputsheet, the total number of the unit images is not equal to the number ofdocuments. The case where there are a plurality sets of image data thatshould be printed on each output sheet is a case where the documents areprinted on the basis of the 2-in-1 or 4-in-1 output for example. Thatis, in a case where the documents are printed on the basis of the 2-in-1output, the total number of the unit images is twice as many as thenumber of documents.

[0175] Further, in a case of a printer which receives original imagedata from a computer, image data that should be printed on each outputsheet is set in accordance with the user's intention, and the image datais the unit image.

[0176] The limited output sheets number is a number of output sheetsrequired in accordance with the user's intention in printing theoriginal image. That is, in a case where the user wants to limit thenumber of output sheets on which the original images are printed, theuser inputs the limited output sheets number in the image formingdevice.

[0177] The allowable amount is a number of sheets that the image formingdevice can print by a single printing operation, and will be detailedlater.

[0178] The image forming device of the present embodiment is arrangedbasically in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, so that descriptionthereof is omitted. However, as described in Embodiment 1, the imageforming device according to the present invention is not limited to theimage forming device of FIG. 2.

[0179] In the present embodiment, how many unit images should beallocated to each output sheet is determined in accordance with thetotal number of the unit images of the original images. Thus determinednumber of unit images is used as a distribution number of the unitimages so that the unit images are distributed to each output sheet inaccordance with the distribution number in performing the printingoperation.

[0180] Conventionally, in a case where the user tries to reduce thenumber of output sheets, the distribution number P of the unit images isset to be not less than 2 with respect to each output sheet.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(b), there is a case where a singleunit image is printed on each of both sides of the output sheet(double-side printing), and as shown in FIG. 11(a), there is a casewhere two unit images are printed on a single side of a single outputsheet (2-in-1 output), and as shown in FIG. 5(a), there is a case wherefour unit images are printed on a single side of a single output sheet(4-in-1 output).

[0181] Further, in cases of the 2-in-1 output and the 4-in-1 output, theunit image(s) may be printed on a back side likewise. Thus, as shown inFIG. 5(b), the 2-in-1 output is combined with the double-side printing,so that it is possible to output up to four unit images on each outputsheet (P≦4). While, the 4-in-1 output is combined with the double-sideprinting, so that it is possible to output up to eight unit images oneach output sheet (P≦8). Of course, how to form a plurality of unitimages on each output sheet is not limited to the foregoing threepatterns.

[0182] In other words, there are a plurality of formation layouts inwhich the unit images are disposed on each output sheet in accordancewith the distribution number P. Thus, it is possible to perform theprinting operation while satisfying the following conditions: even whenthe distribution number P is the same, the double-side printing isforbidden, or a downsizing rate of the original image needs to be keptas low as possible.

[0183] For example, when the double-side printing is forbidden, theprinting operation is performed in accordance with such an outputpattern that each unit pattern is disposed on a single side of theoutput sheet. When the downsizing rate of the original image needs to bekept as low as possible, the printing operation is performed inaccordance with such an output pattern that each unit pattern isdisposed on a single side of the output sheet.

[0184] In these output patterns, the distribution number P upon actuallyprinting a single output sheet is such that: when the double-sideprinting is performed, P=2, and when the 2-in-1 output is performed, P=2or 4, and when the 4-in-1 output is performed, P=4 or 8. Thedistribution number P is set by the central processing unit 65 (see FIG.3) as a printing condition.

[0185] In the present invention, it is preferable to set the outputpattern as the output mode (printing condition).

[0186] The output pattern includes not only a value of the distributionnumber P but also a formation layout of the distribution number P. Thus,when the distribution number P=2, there are (i) an output mode basedsolely on the 2-in-1 output as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and (ii) an outputmode based solely on the double-side printing as shown in FIG. 11(b).While, when the distribution number P=4, there are (i) an output modebased solely on the 4-in-1 output as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and (ii) anoutput mode in which the double-side printing and the 2-in-1 output arecombined with each other as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0187] In other words, the output pattern is set for each printingcondition, and the printing condition includes (i) a most importantsub-condition concerning the distribution number P for each sheet and(ii) another sub-condition concerning the formation layout of the unitimages. Therefore, in a case where there are many printing conditionsdue to combination of the sub-conditions, they are set and registered asoutput modes (printing conditions) in advance. Thus, when the centralprocessing unit 65 controls the setting of the conditions, a singleoutput mode is selected from a plurality of output modes, so that it iseasy to set the printing condition. That is, it is possible to simplifythe printing condition setting process.

[0188] Thus, it is preferable that: when an output mode is solely basedon the 2-in-1 output, a 2-in-1 single-side mode is set (FIG. 11(a)), andwhen the double-side printing and the 2-in-1 output are combined witheach other (FIG. 5(b)), a 2-in-1 double-side mode is set, and when anoutput mode is solely based on 4-in-1 output (FIG. 5(a)), a 4-in-1single-side mode is set, and when the double-side printing and the4-in-1 output are combined with each other, a 4-in-1 double-side mode isset.

[0189] Note that, in the present embodiment, an ordinary output mode,that is, an ordinary output mode which causes only one unit image to becopied on each output sheet is regarded as a 1-in-1 single-side mode.

[0190] The printing condition setting method of the present embodimentincludes: a total images number calculating step of calculating thetotal number of unit images of original images; a printing conditionsetting step of setting the printing condition; a limited output sheetsnumber setting step of setting the limited output sheets number; and anallowable amount detecting step of detecting a condition concerning theallowable amount. Further, in the printing condition setting step, theprinting condition is set in accordance with (i) the calculated totalnumber of the image units, (ii) the limited output sheets number thathas been set, and (c) the detected allowable amount.

[0191] Specifically, in the printing condition setting step, the limitedoutput sheets number and the allowable amount are compared with thetotal number of the unit images so as to confirm whether they are largeor small with respect to the total number. Thereafter, based on thecomparison result, the printing condition (output mode) which enablesthe printing operation is selected in the printing condition settingstep.

[0192] The total number of unit images of original images is calculatedin accordance with original image data that has been inputted to theimage forming device. Here, it is preferable to arrange the imageforming device so that the original image data is temporarily stored inthe memory 64.

[0193] Thus, the total number of the unit images is calculated based onthe image data that has been stored in the memory 64 after inputting theoriginal image data. Thus, even in a case where it is impossible tograsp how many unit images exist after performing the printing operationby using whole the original image data, the user does not have toconfirm the total number again, so that it is possible to calculate thetotal number of the unit images rapidly and exactly.

[0194] For example, in a case where there is image data of manydocuments and two or more unit images exist in several documents as theimage data, the foregoing arrangement brings about such advantage that:the user does not have to confirm the image data and it is possible tocalculate the total number of the unit images rapidly and exactly.

[0195] Further, in order to facilitate the calculation of the totalnumber of the unit images of the original images, the printing conditionsetting method of the present embodiment further includes the copiesnumber setting step of setting the number of copies of the originalimages. In the copies number setting step, the total number of the unitimages is calculated in accordance with (i) the number of copies thathas been set and (ii) the inputted original image. Thus, even in a casewhere a plurality of copies of the original image are printed, it ispossible to print the plurality of copies by performing a single entryof the original image.

[0196] Here, the limited output sheets number and the copies number areinputted by an operation base unit (inputting means) 66 (see FIG. 3)provided on the image forming device. In a case where the image formingdevice is a copying machine, these numbers are inputted by using theoperation panel having a numeric key pad. In a case where the imageforming device is a printer, these numbers may be inputted by using anoperation section provided on the printer, or the limited output sheetsnumber as data may be inputted with the image data from the PC. In thiscase, an input port of the printer corresponds to the operation baseunit 66.

[0197] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a printer driver image isdisplayed in a display screen of the PC so that the respectiveconditions can be inputted. In FIG. 12, an image for setting theconditions of the output sheets is displayed. In addition to the settingof the output sheets (layout is displayed) and the output sheet size(for example, A4 is selected), an item for setting the output sheetsnumber is displayed. Further, the output sheets number (limited outputsheets number) such as “10” is inputted here.

[0198] A specific arrangement of the operation base unit 66 is notparticularly limited, but it is preferable to provide not only theinputting means such as the numeric key pad but also display means. Asthe display means, for example, various kinds of display means such as aliquid crystal panel provided on the operation section of the copyingmachine can be used. The display means is a touch-panel type, andfunctions also as the inputting means.

[0199] Further, in the case where the image forming device is a printerand is connected to an information terminal such as the PC so as toconstitute a printing system, it may be so arranged that: the printingcondition is displayed in the display screen of the PC so that theprinting condition can be changed on the side of the PC. Thus, in thepresent invention, the printing condition setting method can be appliedto the printing (image forming) system.

[0200] The condition concerning the allowable amount is a conditionconcerning an allowable amount of the output sheets which can be printedin a single printing operation, and the condition is detected by theallowable amount detecting means. Specifically, examples of theallowable amount detecting means are (i) a remaining sheet amountdetecting section (not shown) for detecting amounts of output sheetsremaining in the sheet storing trays (sheet feeding means) 21 to 23 and(ii) a deliverable amount detecting section (not shown) for detecting adeliverable amount of the printed output sheets delivered by thedelivery tray (delivery means) 55. It is preferable to use at least oneof them or preferably both of them as the allowable amount detectingmeans.

[0201] In the image forming device, determination of the distributionnumber for each output sheet mainly depends on the number of the outputsheets. As the number of the output sheets, (i) the number of outputsheets that can be fed by the image forming device and (ii) the numberof output sheets that can be delivered can be used. Then, these numbersare detected as the condition concerning the allowable amount and areused as the setting condition, so that it is possible to set a moreappropriate printing condition, and the user does not have to confirmconditions of the sheet storing trays 21 to 23 and the delivery tray 55.As a result, it is possible to improve simplicity of the operation.

[0202] Next, the foregoing steps will be described with reference to theflow chart of FIG. 13. Note that, in the present embodiment, theallowable amount is the remaining sheet amount of each of the sheetstoring trays 21 to 23 of the sheet feeding section 2 (see FIG. 2), andis managed/monitored on the side of the image forming device so as toset the output mode.

[0203] First, in S21, the image forming device causes the remainingsheet amount detecting section (not shown) to detect a remaining sheetamount f (allowable amount detecting step). In S22, the user sets andinputs a print copies number g into the copying machine, and instructsthe copying machine to start the printing operation (copies numbersetting step).

[0204] In S23, the document transport device 31 transports the documentsplaced on the document setting tray 37 to the document placement table32 one by one, and the document reading section 3 reads the documentimage. The read document image is stored in the memory 64 (see FIG. 3).At the same time, the total number of the unit images (hereinafter,referred to as total images number) h_(o) in printing only one copy ofthe original images is counted. In S24, an actually printed total imagesnumber h is calculated in accordance with (i) the print copies number gthat has been set in S22 and (b) the total images number h_(o) that hasbeen counted in S23. That is, h=h_(o)×g. Note that, S23 and S24correspond to a total images number calculating step.

[0205] In and after S25, the total images number h and the remainingsheet amount f are compared with each other so as to automaticallyselect the output mode. That is, the operations in and after S25correspond to the printing condition setting step.

[0206] First, when h≦f, the step proceeds to S30. The printed totalimages number h does not exceed the allowable amount of the remainingsheet amount f, so that the printing operation is carried out inaccordance with an ordinary mode, for example, the 1-in-1 single-sidemode. That is, in the case of the 1-in-1 single-side mode, the totalimages number h is the number j of the actually printed output sheets(hereinafter, referred to as print output sheets number j), so that j≦f.

[0207] Adversely, when h>f, the step proceeds to S26. In this case, thetotal images number h of the actually printed images exceeds theallowable amount of the remaining sheet amount f, so that an output modewhich enables images of the total images number h to be printed so asnot to exceed the remaining sheet amount f is selected. That is, thedistribution number P of such unit images that the print output sheetsnumber j≦the sheet remaining amount f is selected. Further, an outputmode which satisfies the selected distribution number P is set, and theprinting operation is performed in accordance with the output mode.Here, in a case where there are a plurality of output modes each ofwhich satisfies the selected distribution number P, the printingoperation is carried out in accordance with a priority level of theoutput modes that has been predefined in the image forming device.

[0208] In the present invention, it is possible to input a printingcondition that is desired by the user, and it is possible to set theoutput mode in accordance with the printing condition desired by theuser. Thus, it may be so arranged that: at least at a preceding stage ofthe printing condition (output mode) setting step (S25), a desiredcondition inputting step for inputting the desired printing condition iscarried out.

[0209] Further, in S27, whether the desired printing condition isselected or not is confirmed. When the desired printing condition is notselected, the printing operation is carried out in accordance with apriority level of the output modes that has been determined in S28.While, when the desired printing condition is selected, the output modeis set in accordance with the printing condition desired by the user inS29 so as to carry out the printing operation.

[0210] Thus, it is possible to eliminate a printing condition that isnot desired by the user in advance. In other words, it is possible toperform the printing operation which further satisfies needs of theuser. Further, even in a case where it is impossible to perform theprinting operation in accordance with the printing condition desired bythe user due to properties of the image forming device, it is possibleto set a printing condition which is close to the desired printingcondition.

[0211] A specific example of how to select the desired printingcondition is shown in FIG. 8. That is, by displaying output conditionssuch as “double-side printing is forbidden”, “image size isprioritized”, “few output sheets number”, “downsizing rate is limited”,and “double-side printing is prioritized” (not shown) in the displaymeans, desired printing conditions are limited. Further, items areselected by using a cursor key so as to set the output condition. In acase where the output condition is set, a check mark is added to a checkbox displayed beside the corresponding output condition so as to informthat the condition has been set. Note that, detail of FIG. 8 and contentof the output condition are described in Embodiment 1, so thatdescription thereof is omitted here.

[0212] Further, when the printing condition (output mode) is set underthe control of the central processing unit 65 (see FIG. 3), there is acase where the printing operation cannot be carried out in accordancewith the set condition.

[0213] Then, in order to prevent such disadvantage, any initialcondition is set in the image forming device as the printing condition.In a case where it is impossible to perform the set printing operation,it is preferable to carry out the printing operation in accordance withthe initial condition. In this case, whether or not the printingoperation can be carried out in accordance with the printing conditionthat has been set in the printing condition setting step is determined.When it is impossible to carry out the printing operation in accordancewith the printing condition, the printing operation is carried out inaccordance with the initial condition.

[0214] Thus, it is possible to eliminate the printing condition by whichthe printing operation cannot be carried out, so that it is possible toperform the printing operation in accordance with various conditions ofactual functions of the image forming device.

[0215] It is preferable that: the printing condition setting method ofthe present invention further includes a printing condition confirmingstep of causing the display means to display an automatically setprinting condition right after performing the printing condition settingstep so that the printing condition can be changed.

[0216] There is a case where the printing condition that has beenautomatically set in the printing condition setting step does notsatisfy the needs of the user. However, by performing the printingcondition confirming step, it is possible to carry out the printingoperation in accordance with the printing condition which furthersatisfies the needs of the user.

[0217] Note that, the display means is not particularly limited. As thedisplay means, it is possible to use various kinds of display means suchas a liquid crystal panel provided on the operation section of the imageforming device. In a case where the image forming device is connected toan information terminal such as a PC so as to constitute a printingsystem, it is possible to use a display screen of the PC.

[0218] The foregoing arrangement will be described with reference to theflow charts of FIGS. 13 and 14 and a display example of the operationpanel of FIG. 15.

[0219] In S31, a printing condition desired by the user is selected(desired condition inputting step). Further, when the step moves back toS27 in the flow chart of FIG. 13, the printing condition desired by theuser has been set. Thus, the step proceeds to S29, and an output modewhich satisfies the needs of the user. Here, the step proceeds to S32before carrying out the printing operation.

[0220] In S32, in terms of function, whether or not the image formingdevice can perform the printing operation in accordance with the outputmode set in S29 is confirmed. When the image forming device cannotperform the printing operation in accordance with the output mode, thestep proceeds to S34, and the image forming device performs the printingoperation in accordance with an output mode predefined as the initialcondition. That is, each of S32 and S34 corresponds to the printingcondition setting step.

[0221] Adversely, when the image forming device can perform the printingoperation in accordance with the output mode, the step proceeds to S33.When the step proceeds to S31, whether or not the printing operation maybe performed in accordance with the output mode set in S33 is confirmed(printing condition confirming step). For example, a display image(display means) 201 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed in the operation panel(inputting means).

[0222] That is, as shown by the display image 201 of FIG. 15,“Single-side copy of 4-in-1 is performed (4-in-1 single-side mode)O.K.?” is displayed. When the user selects “Yes”, the step proceeds toS36, and the printing operation is performed in accordance with theoutput mode. When the user selects “No”, the step proceeds to S35, andthe output mode is changed to another output mode of a differentpattern. That is, also S35 corresponds to the printing condition settingstep. Further, as shown by a display image 202 of FIG. 15, “Double-sidecopy of 2-in-1 is performed (2-in-1 double-side mode) O.K.?” isdisplayed (S33). When the user selects “Yes”, the printing operation isperformed in accordance with the output mode (S36).

[0223] Here, when the user selects “No” with respect to all the modesthat have been set and there is no other output mode, the step proceedsto S34, and as shown by a display image 203 of FIG. 15, “Ordinary copy(1-in-1 single-side mode) is performed.” is displayed. Then, theprinting operation is carried out in accordance with the initially setoutput mode (S36).

[0224] Alternately, when the user selects “No” with respect to all theoutput modes and there is no other output mode, it is preferable to setthe output mode in accordance with the condition desired by the userthat has been selected in S31. For example, if the user selects “fewoutput sheets number (print output sheets number j)”, an output modewhich minimizes the print output sheets number j is selected from outputmodes of the image forming device, so that the printing operation isperformed in accordance with the output mode.

[0225] Alternatively, when the user selects “No” with respect to all theoutput modes and there is no other output mode, it is preferable that:for example, in the printing condition confirming step, the user isasked to confirm the output mode so that re-supply of the output sheetsand change of the output mode can be selected. That is, when theprinting condition automatically set in the printing condition settingstep does not satisfy the needs of the user, the re-supply of the outputsheets or the change of the output mode can be selected, so that it ispossible to perform the printing operation in accordance with theprinting condition which further satisfies the needs of the user.

[0226] Further, it is more preferable that: in FIG. 13, steps of S28 andS29 are added while the step proceeding from S25 to S30. Thus, even inthe case where the remaining sheet amount f is fewer than the totalimages number h, it is possible to set the output mode desired by theuser. For example, when the user selects “Double-side printing isprioritized” as the condition desired by the user, the printingoperation is carried out in accordance with the 1-in-1 double-side modein S30.

[0227] The foregoing description discussed the remaining sheet amount ofeach of the sheet storing trays 21 to 23 as the condition concerning theallowable amount. As to other allowable amount, procedures performeduntil the printing condition is set are the same. That is, the remainingsheet amount f is replaced with the deliverable amount f of the deliverytray 55 for example.

[0228] Further, as to the limited output sheets number inputted by theuser (limited output sheets number setting step), procedures performeduntil the printing condition is set are the same. That is, the remainingsheet amount f is replaced with the limited output sheets number f.

[0229] Further, also in the case where the allowable amount and thelimited output sheets number are set together, procedures performeduntil the printing condition is set are basically the same. That is, bycomparing (i) a condition indicating the fewest amount selected from theallowable amount and the limited output sheets number with (ii) thetotal images number h, the output mode is set.

[0230] Thus, the user does not have to confirm (i) the total number ofunit images of original images and (ii) a condition of the image formingdevice every time, and it is possible to perform the printing operationwhile reducing the number of the output sheets. As a result, it ispossible to improve the simplicity of the operation and to reduce thecost of the output sheets at the same time.

[0231] The following description will further detail the presentembodiment by giving specific examples.

EXAMPLE 1

[0232] Description is given on a case where only the remaining sheetamount is used as the condition concerning the allowable amount. First,the image forming device (see FIG. 2) causes a remaining sheet amountdetecting section to detect the remaining sheet amount f. Here, adetection result of f=500 is obtained (S21). Next, the user inputs theprint copies number g to the image forming device (copies number settingstep), and instructs the image forming device to begin the printingoperation (S22). Here, g=10 is inputted.

[0233] Next, the automatic document transport device 31 transports thedocuments placed on the document setting tray 37 to the documentplacement table 32 one by one so that the documents are read by thedocument reading section 3. The read document image is stored in thememory 64 (see FIG. 3), and an images number of the original image iscounted (S23).

[0234] Here, when a single image is read from each of 40 sheets whichare documents, the total images number h_(o) in printing only one copyof the original image corresponds to the number of document images, sothat h_(o)=40. Further, the print copies number g=10, so that the totalimages number h is as follows: h=h_(o)×g=40×10=400.

[0235] Next, the total images number h and the remaining sheet amount fare compared with each other, so that the output mode is automaticallyselected. In the foregoing case, h=400 and f=500, so that h<f. Thus,this is within a range of the allowable amount, so that the printingoperation is carried out in accordance with an ordinary mode (1-in-1single-side mode) (S30).

EXAMPLE 2

[0236] Description is given on a case where only the remaining sheetamount is used as the condition concerning the allowable capacity.Except that the remaining sheet amount f=150 is detected and the totalimages number h=400 is calculated, the steps S21 to S24 are performed asin Example 1.

[0237] In this case, when the total images number h and the remainingsheet amount f are compared with each other, h=400 and f=250, so thath>f (S25). The remaining sheet amount f is less than the total imagesnumber h, so that the total images number h exceeds the allowableamount. Then, the output mode is selected (S26). h÷f=400÷250=1.6<2. Thatis, in a case of performing the printing operation so that the totalimages number h does not exceed the remaining sheet amount f=250, it isnecessary to select the output mode for printing two pages on eachoutput sheet (distribution number P=2). That is, for example, the 1-in-1double-side mode or the 2-in-1 single-side mode is selected (printingcondition setting step), so as to carry out the printing operation (S28or S29). Further, the 1-in-1 double-side mode or the 2-in-1 single-sidemode is selected in accordance with the priority level of the outputmodes predefined in the image forming device, so as to carry out theprinting operation.

EXAMPLE 3

[0238] Description is given on a case where only the remaining sheetamount is used as the condition concerning the allowable capacity.Except that the remaining sheet amount f=200 is detected and the totalimages number h=400 is calculated, the steps S21 to S24 are performed asin Example 1.

[0239] Further, the image forming device has functions of an N-in-1single side mode and an N-in-1 double-side mode (N=integer number of 1to 10) as the output modes of the image forming device. Further, asshown in FIG. 8, the conditions desired by the user are inputted so that“double-side printing is forbidden” and “image size is prioritized” areselected.

[0240] First, when the total images number h and the remaining sheetamount f are compared with each other, h=400 and f=200, so that h>f(S25). The remaining sheet amount f is less than the total images numberh, so that the total images number h exceeds the allowable amount. Then,the output mode is selected (S26). h÷f=400÷200=2. That is, the outputmode for printing two pages on each output sheet (distribution numberP=2) is selected. That is, in S26, a 1-in-1 double-side mode, an N-in-1(N=2 to 10) single-side mode, and an N-in-1 double-side mode areselected.

[0241] Here, the user selects “double-side printing is forbidden” and“image size is prioritized” as the desired conditions, so that not thedouble-side mode but the single-side mode is set as the output mode.That is, a 2-in-1 single-side mode is set. Further the printingoperation is carried out (S29).

[0242] Note that, it is more preferable to add the steps S27, S28, andS29 while proceeding from S25 to S30. Thus, even in the case where theremaining sheet amount f is less than the total images number h, it ispossible to set the output mode desired by the user. For example, whenthe user selects “double-side printing is forbidden” and “image size isprioritized” as the desired conditions, the printing operation iscarried out in accordance with a 2-in-1 single-side mode in S30.

EXAMPLE 4

[0243] Description is given on a case where only the remaining sheetamount is used as the condition concerning the allowable amount. Exceptthat the remaining sheet amount f=100 is detected and the total imagesnumber h=400 is calculated, the steps S21 to S24 are performed as inExample 1.

[0244] Further, the image forming device has functions of a 1-in-1single-side mode, a 1-in-1 double-side mode, a 2-in-1 single-side mode,a 2-in-1 double-side mode, and a 4-in-1 single-side mode as the outputmodes of the image forming device. Further, a 1-in-1 single-side mode isset in the image forming device as an output mode of an initialcondition.

[0245] In the printing condition setting step, the total images number hand the remaining sheet amount f are compared with each other so thatthe output mode is automatically selected. When h=400 and f=100, h>f(S25). The remaining sheet amount f is less than the total images numberh, so that the total images number h exceeds the allowable amount. Then,the output mode is selected (S26). h÷f=400÷100=4. That is, the outputmode for printing four pages on each output sheet (distribution numberP=4) is selected. That is, in S26, a 4-in-1 single-side mode and a2-in-1 double-side mode are selected in the case of the image formingdevice of the present embodiment.

[0246] Here, selectable output modes are displayed in the operationpanel provided on the operation section of the image forming device(S32). For example, as shown by the display image 201 of FIG. 15,“Single-side copy of 4-in-1 is performed (4-in-1 single-side mode)O.K.?” is displayed (S33, printing condition confirming step). When theuser selects “Yes”, the printing operation is carried out in accordancewith the output mode (S36). When the user selects “No”, the output modeis changed to another output mode of a different pattern (S35).

[0247] Next, the image forming device of the present embodiment performsthe printing operation in accordance with the output mode for printingfour pages on each output sheet (distribution number P=4) and has afunction of a 2-in-1 double-side mode, so that the step proceeds to S33(S32). For example, as shown by the display image 202 of FIG. 15,“Double-side copy of 2-in-1 is performed (2-in-1 double-side mode)O.K.?” is displayed (S33). When the user selects “Yes”, the printingoperation is carried out in accordance with the output mode (S36).

[0248] Here, when the user selects “No”, the image forming device of thepresent embodiment does not have any other output mode for printing fourpages on each output sheet (distribution number P=4). Then, when thereis no other output mode, as shown by the display image 203 of FIG. 15,“Ordinary copy (1-in-1 single-side mode) is performed.” is displayed(S34). Further, the printing operation is carried out in accordance withan output mode that has been initially set, that is, a 1-in-1single-side mode (S36).

[0249] Further, it is preferable to select the condition desired by theuser in advance before setting the output mode as shown in S37 (desiredcondition inputting step). For example, when the user selects“double-side printing is prioritized” as the desired condition, the4-in-1 single-side mode is not selected in the present example. That is,it is not necessary to perform the operation required in the displayimage 201 of FIG. 15, thereby further improving the operability of theimage forming device.

EXAMPLE 5

[0250] Example 5 is different from Example 4 in that: the image formingdevice does not have the printing condition, that is automatically setin the printing condition setting step, as a function of the imageforming device.

[0251] In S21 to S24 of FIG. 13, let us suppose that the remaining sheetamount=50 is detected and the total images number h=400 is calculated.Further, the image forming device has functions of a 1-in-1 single-sidemode, a 1-in-1 double-side mode, a 2-in-1 single-side mode, and a 2-in-1double-side mode as the output modes of the image forming device.Further, a 1-in-1 single-side mode is set in the image forming device asthe output mode of the initial condition.

[0252] In the printing condition setting step, the total images number hand the remaining sheet amount f are compared with each other so thatthe output mode is automatically selected. h=400 and f=50, so that h>f(S25).

[0253] Then, when the output mode is automatically selected, 400÷50=8,so that it is necessary to set the output mode for printing right pageson a single output sheet (distribution number P=8). Thus, a 4in-1double-side mode or a 8-in-1 single-side mode is selected.

[0254] However, in the image forming device of the present example, onlya 2-in-1 double-side mode for printing four pages on each output sheet(distribution number P=4) can be set (S32). In this case, the outputmode that has been initially set, that is, a 1-in-1 single-side mode isset (S34), so as to carry out the printing operation (S36).

[0255] Further, at this time, it is preferable that: for example, in theprinting condition setting step, the user is asked to confirm thecondition so that re-supply of the output sheets or change of the outputmode can be selected. That is, when the printing condition automaticallyset in the printing condition setting step does not satisfy the needs ofthe user, the re-supply of the output sheets and the change of theoutput mode can be selected, so that it is possible to perform theprinting operation in accordance with the printing condition whichfurther satisfies the needs of the user.

[0256] Further, it is preferable that: the condition desired by the useris set in advance before setting the output mode as shown in S31, andthe output mode is set in accordance with the output condition in S34.For example, the user selects “few output sheets number (print outputsheets number j)” as the output condition, a 2-in-1 double-side modewhich minimizes the total images number h is set in the present example.That is, it is possible to carry out the printing operation inaccordance with the printing condition which satisfies the needs of theuser.

[0257] [Embodiment 3]

[0258] Another embodiment of the present invention is described asfollows with reference to attached drawings. Note that, the presentinvention is not limited to this. Further, for the convenience indescription, the same reference signs are given to members having thesame functions as the members used in Embodiment 1, and descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0259] The image forming device of the present embodiment controlssetting of the printing condition in accordance with conditions such as(i) the total number of unit images of original images, (ii) the limitedoutput sheets number, and (iii) the allowable amount, and performs theprinting operation. Further, the printing condition setting methodaccording to the present invention is a method for setting the printingcondition in accordance with the respective conditions.

[0260] Note that, the conditions such as (i) the total number of unitimages of original images, (ii) the limited output sheets number, and(iii) the allowable amount are the same as in Embodiment 2. However, inthe present embodiment, the image forming device recognizes theallowable amount which is regarded as an amount of the output sheetswhich can be post-processed in the stapling process performed by thepost-processing section (post-processing means) 4 (see FIG. 16), so asto set the output mode.

[0261]FIG. 16 schematically shows an arrangement of an image formingdevice 80 which is one embodiment of the present invention. Note that,the image forming device 80 merely shows an arrangement example of thepresent invention, so that the present invention is not limited to this.Further, a basic arrangement thereof is the same as the image formingdevice shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the same reference signs are given tomembers having the same functions as the member of the image formingdevice of FIG. 2, and description thereof is omitted.

[0262] The image forming device includes an image forming section 1, asheet feeding section 2, a document reading section 3, and apost-processing section 4. The image forming device 80 includes deliverytrays 81 and 82 as delivery trays (delivery means), and a delivery tray83 used to perform the stapling process. The delivery tray 81 isprovided on a main body of the image forming device 80, and the deliverytray 82 and the delivery tray 83 used to perform the stapling processare provided on the post-processing section 4. On a transport path ofthe output sheet, there are provided switching gates 84, 85, and 86 eachof which transports the output sheet to each delivery tray.

[0263] The image forming device 80 uses a stapling device 87 (staplingmeans) as the post-processing section 4. The stapling device 87 includesa stapler 88 and a stapling tray 89 which can store a set of outputsheets that have been printed. Specifically, after delivering a certainamount of printed output sheets to the stapling tray 89, end portions ofthe output sheets are stapled. Thereafter, an “output sheets bundle”obtained by stapling the end portions of the output sheets is deliveredto the delivery tray 83 (delivery member). The delivery tray 83 can moveup and down so that a large amount of delivered output sheets can beplaced thereon.

[0264] Note that, an arrangement of the stapling device 87 is notlimited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 16 as long as the staplingprocess can be performed. Further, the post-processing section 4 is notlimited to the stapling device 87, but a punching device (not shown)(punching means), a sorting device (not shown) (sorting means) can beused as the post-processing section 4.

[0265] In the present invention, as a detection result given by theallowable amount detecting means, at least the allowable amount of thepost-processing means (stapling device in the present embodiment) isdetected. The following description discusses the control for settingthe printing condition.

[0266] The printing condition setting method of the present embodimentincludes four steps: a total images number calculating step ofcalculating a total number of unit images of original images; a printingcondition setting step of setting the printing condition; a limitedoutput sheets number setting step of setting the limited output sheetsnumber; and an allowable amount detecting step of detecting a conditionconcerning an allowable amount. Further, in the printing conditionsetting step, the printing condition is set in accordance with (i) thetotal number of unit images of original images, (ii) the limited outputsheets number that has been set, and (iii) the allowable amount that hasbeen detected.

[0267] Specific arrangements of the steps are the same as in Embodiment2, so that description thereof is omitted. Particularly in the presentinvention, the condition concerning the allowable amount is an allowableamount of output sheets that are subjected to the post-process performedby the post-processing section 4. Further, means for detecting theallowable amount is the allowable amount detecting means. Specifically,the post-processing section 4 is the stapling device 87, so that thestapling device 87 functions as the allowable amount detecting means,and the condition concerning the detected allowable amount is the numberof output sheets that can be stapled (post-processable amount).

[0268] In a general image forming device, it is often to use astandardized output sheet, such as PPC (Plane paper copy), manufacturedso as to be uniformly standardized as the output sheet. Thus, in a caseof printing the standardized output sheet, it is possible to fix thenumber of output sheets that can be stapled in accordance with types ofthe stapling device 87.

[0269] That is, in a case of using the most general standardized outputsheet such as PPC, even when types of PPC slightly differ from eachother depending on makers, this rarely brings about substantial changein the amount of output sheets that can be stapled (stapling-processableamount). Thus, as long as the stapling device 87 can staple up to 30output sheets, this number can be regarded as a fixed value of thestapling-processable amount, so that it is not necessary to cause thedetecting means to detect the stapling-processable amount every time.Likewise, in a case of using a printing medium other than the outputsheet, i.e., an OHP (Overhead projector) sheet, or in a case of usingthin paper and paper board, the stapling-processable amounts are set asfixed values.

[0270] In this case, it is possible not only to simplify the controlprocess, but also to substantially omit the allowable amount detectingmeans when the image forming device is set so that only the standardizedsheet is used.

[0271] Further, the printing condition setting method of the presentembodiment includes a copies number setting step of setting a copiesnumber of the original images, and in the total images numbercalculating step, the total number of unit images is calculated inaccordance with (i) the print copies number that has been set and (ii)the original images that have been inputted. This arrangement makes iteasier to calculate the total number of unit images of original imagesas described in Embodiment 2. Thus, even in a case of printing aplurality of copies of the original images, a single entry of theoriginal images enables the plurality of copies to be printed.

[0272] Particularly, in the case of the present embodiment, the staplingdevice 87 is used as the post-processing section 4, so that it ispreferable to input the print copies number. That is, the staplingprocess is to staple a plurality of output sheets after collecting theminto one set. Thus, as long as it is possible to input the print copiesnumber, the user has only to input the number of copies of stapledoutput sheets desired by the user into the image forming device. Thisarrangement is convenience in terms of the operability of the imageforming device.

[0273] Further, upon setting the condition concerning the allowableamount, it is possible to use at least one of or preferably both of (i)the remaining sheet detecting section for detecting an amount of sheetsremaining in the sheet feeding section 2 and (ii) the deliverable amountdetecting section for detecting a deliverable amount of output sheets,stored in the delivery trays 81 to 83, on which images have been formed.

[0274] That is, the image forming device is arranged so as to have thearrangement of Embodiment 1 and the arrangement of Embodiment 2, so thatit is possible to set the printing condition in accordance withconditions and functions of the image forming device.

[0275] Note that, a specific example of the present embodiment is anarrangement in which the remaining sheet amount f of the Embodiment 2 isreplaced with the stapling-processable amount (post-processable amount)f. Note that, when the stapling-processable amount f is less than thetotal number of unit images even though any output mode is used, thatis, when it is impossible to perform the stapling process, the printingoperation is carried out in accordance with merely the 1-in-1single-side mode which corresponds to the initial condition of the imageforming device. Alternatively, the printing operation is carried out inaccordance with the printing condition desired by the user. Thisarrangement is made so that the user can perform the stapling processusing another stapler after carrying out the printing operation.

[0276] Further, processes in the case where the punching means or thesorting means is used as the post-processing means are the same as theforegoing processes. That is, the remaining sheet amount f is replacedwith a punching-processable amount (post-processable amount) f or asorting-processable amount (post-processable amount) f.

[0277] Further, also in the image forming device having the arrangementsof Embodiments 1 and 2, the same processes are performed until the basicprinting condition is set. That is, by comparing (i) a conditionindicating the fewest amount selected from the allowable amount and thelimited output sheets number with (ii) the total number of unit images,the output mode is set.

[0278] Thus, it is possible to further improve the simplicity of theoperation and to reduce the output sheet cost.

[0279] [Embodiment 4]

[0280] Another embodiment of the present invention is described asfollows with reference to attached documents. Note that, the presentinvention is not limited to this. Further, for the convenience indescription, the same reference signs are given to members having thesame functions as the members used in Embodiment 1, and descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0281] As another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17schematically shows an arrangement of a digital copying machine (imageforming device) 90. The digital copying machine 90 includes an imageforming section 1, a sheet feeding section 2, a document reading section3, and a post-processing section (post-processing means) 4. Sheetstoring trays (sheet feeding means) 21 to 23 of the digital copyingmachine 90 are disposed up and down unlike the image forming device ofFIG. 2. Further, also a double-side transport unit 52 is providedbetween the sheet storing trays 21 and 22. Note that, the digitalcopying machine 90 is a digital complex type image forming device whichcan perform three printing operations: a copying operation, a printingoperation, and a facsimile operation.

[0282]FIG. 18 shows an arrangement of a control section of the digitalcopying machine 90. The digital copying machine 90 includes an imagedata inputting section 61, an image processing section 62, an image dataoutputting section 63, a memory 64, a central processing unit 65, anoperation substrate unit 66, a sorter control unit 67, and an image datacommunication I/F 68.

[0283] Note that, an arrangement of each section is the same as thearrangement of the control section (see FIG. 3) of the image formingdevice of FIG. 2, so that detail description thereof is omitted.However, compared with the image forming device of FIG. 2, the digitalcopying machine 90 can perform the facsimile operation as the printingoperation. Thus, a facsimile-related load 69 for performing thefacsimile operation is added to the central processing unit 65 unlikethe arrangement of FIG. 3. That is, the facsimile-related load 69manages driving mechanisms such as a motor and a crutch by sequentialcontrol, and outputs a control signal for controlling them.

[0284] Next, the following description will discus the copyingoperation, the printing operation, and the facsimile operation of thedigital copying machine.

[0285] First, the copying operation is described. Documents set in apredetermined position of an automatic document transport device 31 ofthe digital copying machine 90 are sequentially supplied to the documentreplacement table 32 of the document reading section 3 one by one.Further, images of the documents are sequentially read by theaforementioned arrangement of the document reading section 3, and areforwarded to the image processing section 62 as 8-bit electronic data.

[0286] The 8-bit electric data forwarded to the image processing section62 is subjected to a predetermined process in the image data outputtingsection 63 as electric image data. Further, the 8-bit electric imagedata is subjected to a process such as gamma correction, and is sent toa light scanning unit 13. Thus, the document image read by the documentreading section 3 of the digital copying machine 90 is outputted by theimage forming section as a copy image having gray scales.

[0287] Next, an electric RHD function of the copying operation isdescribed as follows. Documents set in a predetermined position of theautomatic document transport device 31 of the digital copying machine 90are sequentially supplied to the document replacement table 32 of thedocument reading section 3 one by one. Further, images of the documentsare sequentially read by the aforementioned arrangement of the documentreading section 3, and are forwarded to the image processing section 62as 8-bit electric data. The 8-bit electric data forwarded to the imageprocessing section 62 is subjected to a predetermined process in theimage data outputting section 63 as electric image data.

[0288] Further, the 8-bit electric image data is converted into 2-bitelectric image data as well as being subjected to a process such aserror diffusion. Note that, a reason for which the 8-bit electric imagedata is converted into 2-bit electric image data as well as beingsubjected to a process such as error diffusion is as follows. Whenmerely converting multivalued data into binary data, this brings aboutproblems in the image quality, so that the foregoing process isperformed so as to minimize deterioration of the image quality. Further,the 8-bit electric image data is converted into the 2-bit electric imagedata in terms of storage capacity of images.

[0289] The 2-bit electric image data obtained by the foregoingconversion is forwarded, by each document data, to the memory 64 such asa hard disk, and is temporarily stored and managed there.

[0290] When all the documents set in the automatic document transportdevice 31 of the digital copying machine 90 are read, the 2-bit electricimage data temporarily stored in the memory 64 is repeatedly read sothat the number of times repeated is the same as the number of copiesthat has been specified under the control of the gate array. Thereafter,the read 2-bit electric image data is subjected to a process such asgamma correction, and is then sent to the light scanning unit 13.

[0291] Note that, in the foregoing description, all the original imagesare repeatedly read so that the number of times repeated corresponds tothe number desired by the user, but it may be so arranged that the firstcopy is outputted after a predetermined amount of images are prepared.

[0292] Thus, the document image read by the document reading section 3of the digital copying machine 90 is outputted as a copy image havinggray scales from the image forming device 1.

[0293] Next, the printing operation is described as follows. An imagesent from an external device such as a PC (Personal computer) connectedvia a network is developed in a printer board (not shown) of the imageprocessing section 62 as each page image. Thereafter, the image istemporarily stored in the memory 64.

[0294] Note that, the image developed in the printer board as the pageimage is temporarily stored in the memory 64 without being subjected tothe binary image process. Further, also when the temporarily stored pageimage is read out from the memory 64, the page image is not subjected tothe binary image process.

[0295] Further, the image information temporarily stored in the memory64 is sent to the image processing section 62 while being read out fromthe memory 64 so that pages are in a predetermined order, and is thensubjected to the gamma correction, and writing of the image iscontrolled so that the image is reproduced in the image data outputtingsection 63.

[0296] Next, the facsimile operation is described as follows. Thefacsimile operation includes a sending process for sending a document toa receiving end and a receiving process for receiving the document sentfrom the sending end.

[0297] First, description is given on the case where the document issent to the receiving end. Documents to be sent that have been set in apredetermined position of the automatic document transport device 31 ofthe digital copying machine 90 are sequentially transported to thedocument placement table 32 of the document reading section 3 one byone, and the documents are sequentially read by the aforementionedarrangement of the document reading section 3, and the document data isforwarded to the image processing section 62 as 8-bit electric data.

[0298] The 8-bit electric data forwarded to the image processing section62 is subjected to a predetermined process in the image data outputtingsection 63. Further, the 8-bit electric image data is converted into2-bit electric image data as well as being subjected to error diffusion.

[0299] Note that, a reason for which the 8-bit electric image data isconverted into 2-bit electric image data as well as being subjected to aprocess such as error diffusion is as follows. When merely convertingmultivalued data into binary data, this brings about problems in theimage quality, so that the foregoing process is performed so as tominimize deterioration of the image quality. The binary image of thedocuments processed in the foregoing manner is stored in the memory 64after being compressed in a predetermined form.

[0300] Further, a procedure for sending the data to the receiving end isperformed. When a condition which allows the data to be sent isobtained, the images of the documents to be sent that have beencompressed in a predetermined form after being read out from the memory64 are forwarded to a facsimile board (not shown) of the imageprocessing section 62. In the facsimile board, the images are subjectedto a necessary process such as change of the compression form.Thereafter, the images are sequentially sent to the receiving end via acommunication line.

[0301] Next, description is given on the case where the document imagessent from the sending end are processed. When the documents are sentfrom the sending end via the communications line, the documents imagessent from the sending end are received while performing a communicationprocedure by the facsimile board, and the received images compressed ina predetermined form are sent to the image processing section 62.Thereafter, the document images sent as page images processed by acompressed-data expanding section (not shown) are reproduced.

[0302] Further, the document image reproduced as each page image isforwarded to the image processing section 62 and is subjected to thegamma correction. Thereafter, writing of the image is controlled so thatthe image is reproduced by the image data outputting section 63.

[0303] It is possible to apply the present invention also to the digitalcopying machine as described above. That is, applicability of theprinting condition setting method of the present invention does notdepend on arrangements of the image forming device. That is, whether ornot it is possible to carry out the printing operation in accordancewith the set printing condition is determined, and when it is impossibleto carry out the printing operation in accordance with the printingcondition, the printing operation is carried out in accordance with theinitial condition, so that it is possible to set a printing conditionwith respect to various image forming devices.

[0304] [Embodiment 5]

[0305] Another embodiment of the present invention is described asfollows. Note that, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0306] The printing condition setting methods of the respectiveembodiments are realized by a program causing a printing conditionsetting process to function. The program is stored in acomputer-readable storage medium. In the present invention, thefollowing storage media are used: a memory such as a ROM (Read onlymemory), required in causing a microcomputer (not shown) to performprocesses, which functions as a program medium; or a program mediumwhich can be read by inserting it into a program reading device providedas an external storage device (not shown).

[0307] In each of the cases, it may be so arranged that a microprocessoraccesses the stored program to carry out the program, or in each of thecases, it may be so arranged that: the program is read out, and the readprogram is downloaded to a program storage area of the microcomputer,and then the program is carried out. The program for download is storedin a main body of the image forming device in advance.

[0308] The program medium is a storage medium which is providedseparable from the main body, and may be a medium which fixedly holdsthe program. Examples of the storage medium include tapes, such asmagnetic tape and cassette tape; disks including magnetic disks, such asfloppy disks and hard disk, and optical disks, such as CD-ROMs, MOs,MDs, DVDs, and CD-Rs; cards, such as IC card (including memory cards)and optical cards; and semiconductor memories, such as mask ROMs,EPROMs, EEPROMs, and flash ROMs.

[0309] Further, the system or device of the present invention may beadapted to be connectable to a communications network to feed theprogram over the communications network. Thus, the storage medium may bea medium which fluidly holds the program so that the program isdownloaded from the communications network. Note that, in the case wherethe program is downloaded from the communications network in thismanner, it may be so arranged that the program for download is stored ina main device in advance or the program for download is installed fromanother storage medium.

[0310] Note that, content stored in the storage medium is not limited tothe program but may be data.

[0311] As described above, in the present invention, the printingcondition is set by using the respective printing condition settingmethods.

[0312] Therefore, in a case of printing image data corresponding to aplural pages within a predetermined number of output sheets fewer thanthe pages, when the required print sheets number and the print outputsheets number are determined in the required print sheets numberconfirming step and the print output sheets number confirming step, thenumber of original images that should be printed on each output sheet iscalculated in accordance with (i) the required print sheets number and(ii) the print output sheets number in the calculating step. Further, inaccordance with the calculation result, the printing condition is set sothat it is possible to print the original images corresponding to therequired print sheets number on the output sheets corresponding to anumber not more than the print output sheets number in the printingcondition setting step.

[0313] Thus, when the user wants to print the image data of plural pageson the output sheets whose amount is not more than the number of thepages, the user does not have to perform such calculation that how manypages of the image data should be printed on each output sheet, therebylargely reducing operations in selecting the printing condition.

[0314] Alternatively, the total number of unit images of original imagesis calculated in the total images number calculating step, and theallowable amount of the output sheets is detected in the allowableamount detecting step, so that the printing condition is set inaccordance with the total number of unit images that has been calculatedand the allowable amount that has been detected.

[0315] Thus, upon printing a plurality of sheets, the user does not haveto confirm the total number of unit images of original images and acondition of the image forming device every time. As a result, it ispossible to improve the simplicity of the operation.

[0316] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that thesame way may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, andall such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art areintended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0317] According to the arrangement and the method of the presentinvention, in the case of outputting the image data corresponding toplural pages so as not to exceed the output sheets number less than thenumber of pages, it is possible to reduce operations that the userperforms in setting the printing condition. Further, in printing aplurality of sheets, the user does not have to confirm the total numberof unit images of original images and a condition of the image formingdevice every time.

[0318] Thus, it is possible to provide (i) an image forming device whichrequires much fewer operations upon selecting the printing condition and(ii) an image forming device by which it is possible to improve thesimplicity of the operations, for example, it is possible to provide avarious kinds of printer and copying machine or a complex machine havingtwo or more functions of a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, andthe like.

[0319] Further, when the method of the present invention is programmedso that an existing image forming device can read the program, it ispossible to largely reduce operations upon selecting the printingcondition of the image forming device and to improve the simplicity ofthe operation. Therefore, the method of the present invention isprogrammed and a computer-readable storage medium stores the program, sothat it is also possible to provide the program as a software packageand the like.

1. A printing condition setting method comprising: a required printsheets number confirming step of confirming a required print sheetsnumber in original images; a print output sheets number recognizing stepof recognizing a print output sheets number in output sheets; acalculating step of calculating a number of the original images thatshould be printed on each output sheet in printing the original imagesof the required print sheets number on the output sheets so as not toexceed the print output sheets number; and a printing condition settingstep of setting one or more printing conditions, each of which allowsthe original images of the required print sheets number to be printed onthe output sheets so as not to exceed the printing output sheets number,in accordance with a calculation result obtained in the calculatingstep.
 2. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein, in the printoutput sheets recognizing step, the print output sheets number that hasbeen set and inputted by a user is recognized.
 3. The method as setforth in claim 1, wherein, in the print output sheets number recognizingstep, a number of the output sheets remaining in sheet feeding means ofthe image forming device is confirmed, and thus confirmed number of theoutput sheets remaining in the sheet feeding means is recognized as theprint output sheets number.
 4. The method as set forth in claim 1,wherein, in the printing condition setting step, when there are aplurality of the printing conditions that can be selected, the printingconditions are displayed so that the user can make a selection from theprinting conditions so as to input thus selected one.
 5. The method asset forth in claim 1, wherein, in the printing condition setting step,when there are a plurality of the printing conditions that can beselected, one of the printing conditions is set in accordance with apriority condition that has been set in advance.
 6. The method as setforth in claim 1, wherein, in the printing condition setting step, whenthere is no printing condition which allows the original images of therequired print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets so asnot to exceed the print output sheets number, one of the printingconditions which minimizes the print output sheets number is displayedso that the user can determine whether or not to cancel a printingoperation so as to input the determination.
 7. The method as set forthin claim 1, wherein, when a stapling process is selected in the imageforming device, a maximum number of the output sheets stapled inperforming the stapling process is set as the print output sheets numberset in the print output sheets number recognizing step.
 8. A printingcondition setting method comprising: a required print sheets numberconfirming step of confirming a required print sheets number in originalimages; a print output sheets number recognizing step of recognizing aprint output sheets number in output sheets; an output copies numberrecognizing step of recognizing an output copies number; a calculatingstep of calculating a number of the original images, that should beprinted on each output sheet in printing the original images of therequired print sheets number on the output sheets so as not to exceedthe print output sheets number, in consideration for the output copiesnumber; and a printing condition setting step of setting one or moreprinting conditions, each of which allows the original images of therequired print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets so asnot to exceed the print output sheets number, in accordance with acalculation result obtained in the calculating step.
 9. The method asset forth in claim 8, wherein, in the printing condition setting step,when there are a plurality of the printing conditions that can beselected, the printing conditions are displayed so that the user canmake a selection from the printing conditions so as to input thusselected one.
 10. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein, in theprinting condition setting step, when there are a plurality of theprinting conditions that can be selected, one of the printing conditionsis set in accordance with a priority condition that has been set inadvance.
 11. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein, in theprinting condition setting step, when there is no printing conditionwhich allows the original images of the required print sheets number tobe printed on the output sheets so as not to exceed the printing outputsheets number, one of the printing conditions which minimizes the printoutput sheets number is displayed so that the user can determine whetheror not to cancel a printing operation so as to input the determination.12. A printing condition setting method comprising: a total imagesnumber calculating step of calculating a total number of unit images,corresponding to image data which should be printed on each outputsheet, in accordance with at least original images that have beeninputted; a printing condition setting step of selecting a distributionnumber which is a number of the unit images printed on each output sheetso as to set a printing condition; and an allowable amount detectingstep of detecting a condition concerning an allowable amount of outputsheets which are allowed to be outputted in a single printing operationperformed by an image forming device, wherein in the printing conditionsetting step, the printing condition is set in accordance with at least(i) the total number of the unit images that has been calculated and(ii) the allowable amount that has been detected.
 13. The method as setforth in claim 12, wherein, in the total images number calculating step,the original images are temporarily stored in storage means.
 14. Themethod as set forth in claim 12 further comprising a print copies numbersetting step of setting a print copies number of the original images,wherein in the total images number calculating step, the total number ofthe unit images is calculated in accordance with at least (i) theoriginal images that have been inputted and (ii) the print copies numberthat has been set.
 15. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein inthe allowable amount detecting step, at least any one of (i) an amountof the output sheets remaining in sheet feeding means of an imageforming device, (ii) an amount of the output sheets that can bedelivered by delivery means which delivers the output sheet that havebeen printed, and (iii) an amount of the output sheets that can bepost-processed by post-processing means which post-processes the outputsheets that have been printed, is detected as the condition concerningthe allowable amount.
 16. The method as set forth in claim 15, whereinthe post-processing means includes any one of (i) stapling means forperforming a stapling process, (ii) punching means for performing apunching process, and (iii) sorting means for performing a sortingprocess.
 17. The method as set forth in claim 15, wherein, when theoutput sheets to be printed are standardized output sheets that havebeen uniformly standardized, the amount of the output sheet than can bepost-processed is fixed in accordance with a type of the post-processingmeans.
 18. The method as set forth in claim 12 further comprising alimited output sheets number setting step of setting a limited outputsheets number in printing the original images, wherein in the printingcondition setting step, the printing condition is set in accordance withat least (i) the total number of the unit images that has beencalculated, (ii) the allowable amount that has been detected, and (iii)the limited output sheets number that has been set.
 19. The method asset forth in claim 12, wherein, in the printing condition setting step,a plurality of formation layouts are prepared set so that the unitimages are disposed in each output sheet in accordance with thedistribution number of the unit images that has been selected.
 20. Themethod as set forth in claim 19, wherein, in the printing conditionsetting step, combinations each of which is constituted of (i) thedistribution number of the unit images and (ii) each of the formationlayouts are recognized as output modes, and the printing condition isset by selecting one from the output modes.
 21. The method as set forthin claim 12, wherein, in the printing condition setting step, whether ornot it is possible to carry out a printing operation in accordance withthe printing condition that has been set is determined, and when it isimpossible to carry out the printing operation in accordance with theprinting condition that has been set, the printing condition is carriedout in accordance with a predetermined printing condition.
 22. Themethod as set forth in claim 12 further comprising a desired conditioninputting step of inputting a printing condition desired by the user,wherein in the printing condition setting step, the printing conditiondesired by the user is preferentially set.
 23. The method as set forthin claim 12 further comprising a printing condition confirming step of(i) causing display means to display the printing condition that hasbeen set in the printing condition setting step and (ii) performing aninputting operation so as to cause inputting means to change theprinting condition to another printing condition.
 24. An image formingdevice, setting a printing condition by using a printing conditionsetting method, wherein the printing condition setting method includes:a required print sheets number confirming step of confirming a requiredprint sheets number in original images; a print output sheets numberrecognizing step of recognizing a print output sheets number in outputsheets; a calculating step of calculating a number of the originalimages that should be printed on each output sheet in printing theoriginal images of the required print sheets number on the output sheetsso as not to exceed the print output sheets number; and a printingcondition setting step of setting one or more printing conditions, eachof which allows the original images of the required printing sheetsnumber to be printed on the output sheets so as not to exceed the printoutput sheets number, in accordance with a calculation result obtainedin the calculating step.
 25. An image forming device, setting a printingcondition by using a printing condition setting method, wherein theprinting condition setting method includes: a required print sheetsnumber confirming step of confirming a required print sheets number inoriginal images; a print output sheets number recognizing step ofrecognizing a print output sheets number in output sheets; an outputcopies number recognizing step of recognizing an output copies number; acalculating step of calculating a number of the original images, thatshould be printed on each output sheet in printing the original imagesof the required print sheets number on the output sheets so as not toexceed the print output sheets number, in consideration for the outputcopies number; and a printing condition setting step of setting one ormore printing conditions, each of which allows the original images ofthe required print sheets number to be printed on the output sheets soas not to exceed the print output sheets number, in accordance with acalculation result obtained in the calculating step.
 26. An imageforming device, setting a printing condition by using a printingcondition setting method, wherein the printing condition setting methodincludes: a total images number calculating step of calculating a totalnumber of unit images, corresponding to image data which should beprinted on each output sheet, in accordance with at least originalimages that have been inputted; a printing condition setting step ofselecting a distribution number which is a number of the unit imagesprinted on each output sheet so as to set a printing condition; and anallowable amount detecting step of detecting a condition concerning anallowable amount of output sheets which are allowed to be outputted in asingle printing operation performed by an image forming device, whereinin the printing condition setting step, the printing condition is set inaccordance with at least (i) the total number of the unit images thathas been calculated and (ii) the allowable amount that has beendetected.